Payroll & HR Specialist — Precision, Impact, Growth

Nelson Connects; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Nelson Connects is seeking an experienced HR & Payroll Specialist to own the payroll process and support day-to-day HR operations in Sonoma County, CA. You will handle payroll processing, onboarding, benefits administration, HR data management, and reporting for a collaborative team.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on payroll expertise, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work across departments while maintaining confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Experience handling end-to-end payroll processing.
• Bilingual skills a plus.
• Strong Excel and general computer skills.
• Understanding of payroll compliance and employment regulations.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage payroll processing from start to finish and ensure employees are paid accurately and on time.
• Review timekeeping information and resolve discrepancies before payroll processing.
• Calculate deductions, taxes, garnishments, benefits, and other payroll adjustments.
• Maintain payroll, attendance, leave, benefits, and workers' compensation records.
• Set up new employees in timekeeping and payroll systems.
• Assist employees with Paycom access and payroll questions.
• Reconcile payroll accounts and assist with payroll audits.
• Prepare payroll reports and assist with payroll audits.
• Maintain compliance with federal, California, and local payroll requirements.
• Coordinate onboarding and orientation for new employees.
• Prepare new-hire paperwork and maintain accurate employee records.
• Maintain confidential personnel files and conduct audits.
• Support benefits enrollment and employee questions.
• Assist with workers' compensation matters and related documentation.
• Respond to employee and manager questions regarding HR policies.

Skills

Payroll processing

Bilingual

Excel

Payroll compliance

Confidentiality

Communication

Prioritization

Problem-solving

Tools

Paycom

Job description

Nelson Connects is seeking an experienced HR & Payroll Specialist to own the payroll process and support day-to-day HR operations in Sonoma County, CA. You will handle payroll processing, onboarding, benefits administration, HR data management, and reporting for a collaborative team.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on payroll expertise, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work across departments while maintaining confidentiality.