Payroll & Accounting Specialist

Guardian Tax; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Growth opportunities

In-office environment

Job summary

Guardian Tax in Irvine, CA is seeking a mid-level Payroll Specialist with a strong accounting background to join our growing, in-office team. This role focuses on accurate, compliant payroll across multiple states and close collaboration with accounting.

The ideal candidate has 2–3+ years of payroll experience, advanced Excel skills, and comfort handling confidential financial information. Competitive hourly pay and full-time in-office opportunities offered.

Qualifications

• 2-3+ years of hands-on payroll experience preferred.
• Strong accounting knowledge and experience REQUIRED.
• Experience processing payroll for a mid-sized company.
• Experience with payroll reconciliations, journal entries, and general ledger accounting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting/payroll software.
• Experience processing commissions, bonuses, and variable compensation is a strong plus.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to handle sensitive financial and employee information with strict confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Process and manage accurate, timely payroll for a growing, multi-state workforce.
• Review and audit employee timecards, wages, overtime, commissions, bonuses, and payroll adjustments.
• Maintain payroll records and ensure compliance with California, Arizona, and federal payroll regulations.
• Reconcile payroll reports, payroll liabilities, and general ledger accounts.
• Assist with accounting functions, including journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Identify and resolve payroll discrepancies quickly and accurately.
• Coordinate with HR and management regarding employee compensation, deductions, and payroll changes.
• Maintain organized, confidential payroll and financial records.
• Assist with month-end and year-end payroll and accounting processes.

Skills

Payroll processing

Accounting knowledge

Excel proficiency

Tools

Payroll software

Job description

Guardian Tax | Irvine, CA | Full-Time | In-Office Only

Pay: $30–$35 per hour (Based on Experience)

Join an Award-Winning, Fast-Growing Company!

Guardian Tax is looking for a detail-oriented, experienced Payroll Specialist with a strong accounting background to join our growing team in Irvine, CA!

We're seeking a mid-level professional who understands payroll beyond simply processing paychecks. The ideal candidate is highly organized, analytical, comfortable working with numbers, and capable of managing payroll accurately while supporting accounting and financial operations.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, take pride in accuracy, and know how to keep payroll running smoothly, we want to hear from you!

What You'll Be Doing

• Process and manage accurate, timely payroll for a growing, multi-state workforce.
• Review and audit employee timecards, wages, overtime, commissions, bonuses, and payroll adjustments.
• Maintain payroll records and ensure compliance with California, Arizona, and federal payroll regulations.
• Reconcile payroll reports, payroll liabilities, and general ledger accounts.
• Assist with accounting functions, including journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Identify and resolve payroll discrepancies quickly and accurately.
• Coordinate with HR and management regarding employee compensation, deductions, and payroll changes.
• Maintain organized, confidential payroll and financial records.
• Assist with month-end and year-end payroll and accounting processes.

What We're Looking For

• 2-3+ years of hands-on payroll experience preferred.
• Strong accounting knowledge and experience REQUIRED.
• Experience processing payroll for a mid-sized company.
• Experience with payroll reconciliations, journal entries, and general ledger accounting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting/payroll software.
• Experience processing commissions, bonuses, and variable compensation is a strong plus.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to handle sensitive financial and employee information with strict confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage multiple priorities.

This is a mid-level position. We are looking for someone with established payroll and accounting experience who can hit the ground running—not an entry-level candidate.

Why Guardian Tax?

Guardian Tax is an established, rapidly growing tax resolution company committed to delivering exceptional service while building a strong, collaborative team.

We're proud to be recognized as:

• 2025 BBB Torch Award for Ethics Winner
• 2024 SBA Small Business of the Year
• 2026 Inc. 5000 Honoree

What We Offer:

• $30–$35 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience
• Full-time, stable employment
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Collaborative, team-oriented environment
• Opportunities for professional growth
• Supportive leadership and a growing organization

Position Details

Location: Irvine, CA
Schedule: Monday–Friday | Full-Time
Work Arrangement: 100% In-Office — No Remote or Hybrid Options
Compensation: $30.00–$35.00 per hour

Ready to Join the Guardian Tax Team?

We're looking for a dependable, numbers-driven professional who understands that accurate payroll and strong accounting practices are essential to a successful business.