Multi-State Payroll Specialist / Payroll Administrator

ATR International; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

ATR International is seeking a detail-oriented Multi-State Payroll Specialist to manage end-to-end payroll processing across a multi-state workforce, including salaried and hourly employees in California and beyond. You will ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll delivery while navigating state tax, wage, and labor rules.

The role requires 2–3 years of multi-state payroll experience, proficiency with ADP/Paylocity/Ceridian/Workday, and strong analytical skills.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of experience processing multi-state payroll.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state wage/hour laws, tax regulations, and payroll compliance requirements.
• Experience with major payroll/HRIS systems (ADP, Paylocity, Ceridian, Workday).

Responsibilities

• Process full-cycle payroll for a multi-state workforce (salaried, hourly, and contract employees), ensuring accuracy and timeliness each pay period
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, including state-specific wage and hour laws (e.g., CA, NY, TX, IL, etc.)
• Manage state and local tax registrations, withholdings, and filings for new work locations as the workforce expands
• Reconcile payroll data, resolve discrepancies, and process off-cycle payments, corrections, and adjustments
• Administer wage garnishments, benefits deductions, and other payroll-related withholdings
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries and resolve issues with professionalism and discretion
• Support audits (internal, external, and state) by preparing accurate documentation and reports
• Identify process improvement opportunities and support payroll system upgrades or transitions

Skills

Multi-state payroll

Payroll reconciliation

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

CPP Certification

Tools

ADP

Paylocity

Ceridian

Workday

Job description

We are seeking a detail-oriented Multi-State Payroll Specialist to manage end-to-end payroll processing across multiple states. This role ensures accurate, compliant, and timely payroll delivery while navigating varying state tax, wage, and labor law requirements. The ideal candidate has strong technical payroll skills, an understanding of multi-jurisdictional compliance, and the ability to work cross-functionally with HR, Finance, and Legal teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Process full-cycle payroll for a multi-state workforce (salaried, hourly, and contract employees), ensuring accuracy and timeliness each pay period
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, including state-specific wage and hour laws (e.g., CA, NY, TX, IL, etc.)
• Manage state and local tax registrations, withholdings, and filings for new work locations as the workforce expands
• Reconcile payroll data, resolve discrepancies, and process off-cycle payments, corrections, and adjustments
• Administer wage garnishments, benefits deductions, and other payroll-related withholdings
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries and resolve issues with professionalism and discretion
• Support audits (internal, external, and state) by preparing accurate documentation and reports
• Identify process improvement opportunities and support payroll system upgrades or transitions

Required Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience processing multi-state payroll
• Strong working knowledge of federal and state wage/hour laws, tax regulations, and payroll compliance requirements
• Experience with major payroll/HRIS systems (e.g., ADP, Paylocity, Ceridian, Workday)
• High attention to detail and strong reconciliation/analytical skills
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally

Preferred Qualifications

• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification
• Familiarity with California-specific payroll and labor law nuances
• Experience supporting payroll for contractors placed through MSP/VMS programs