Payroll Specialist

Johnson Service Group, Inc.; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 71,635,000 - 80,231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Life insurance

401(k)

Weekly pay

Job summary

Johnson Service Group (JSG) in Irvine, CA is seeking a Payroll Specialist for a hybrid schedule to deliver accurate semi-monthly payroll for about 500 employees. The role reports to HR leadership and involves auditing, records upkeep, and coordination with vendors.

The ideal candidate will have multi-state payroll experience, strong HRIS skills (Paycom preferred), and the ability to maintain confidentiality in a fast-paced environment. This is a non-exempt, full-time position with benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience processing semi-monthly payroll end-to-end through an HRIS.
• Auditing timesheets, deductions, and payroll changes (new hires, terminations, transfers, promotions, compensation updates).
• Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll compliance and wage/hour considerations.
• Experience with tax filings and W-2s.
• Experience coordinating with external auditors on payroll audits.

Responsibilities

• Own day-to-day execution of semi-monthly payroll operations.
• Audit timesheets and deductions and maintain payroll records.
• Coordinate with vendors and agencies and keep procedures audit-ready.
• Partner with HR Generalists on benefit plan administration and compliance reporting.
• Assist external auditors on payroll audits.

Skills

Payroll processing

Timesheet auditing

Wage/hour compliance

Multistate payroll

Tax filings & W-2s

Audits support

HRIS proficiency

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

Tools

Paycom

Microsoft Office

HRIS platforms

Job description

Johnson Service Group (JSG) is seeking a Payroll Specialist in Orange County, CA.Work Schedule - Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm. (1-2 days per week in-office)Pay range: $25-$28 per hourPayroll Specialist (Hybrid | Irvine, CA | Non-Exempt)OverviewJoin the Human Resources team and play a pivotal role in delivering accurate, compliant, and on-time payroll for approximately 500 employees. Reporting to the Director, Human Resources, the Payroll Specialist owns the day-to-day execution of semi-monthly payroll operations—auditing timesheets and deductions, maintaining payroll records, coordinating with vendors and agencies, and keeping procedures current and audit-ready. You’ll also partner closely with HR Generalists on benefit plan administration, annual audits, and compliance reporting, making this a highly visible role that directly supports employees and organizational integrity.Required SkillsProven ability to prepare and process semi-monthly payroll end-to-end through an HRISExperience ensuring payroll accuracy by auditing timesheets, deductions, and payroll changes (new hires, terminations, transfers, promotions, compensation updates)Strong working knowledge of multi-state employment and payroll compliance, including wage and hour considerationsAbility to manage and reconcile payroll-related items such as tax filings/issuances (including W-2s), billings, and required reportingExperience supporting or coordinating with external auditors on payroll-related auditsStrong written and verbal communication skills to collaborate across all levels of the organizationExcellent organizational skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to maintain confidentialityProficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS platformsNice to Have SkillsExperience processing payroll in multi-company, multi-state environments with varied compensation packagesFamiliarity with compliance areas such as ERISA, IRS Section 125/cafeteria plans, FMLA, COBRA, OSHA, I-9 requirements, and EEO reportingExperience providing Paycom guidance, training, and education to employees and leadersProfessional credentials such as PHR, SHRM-CP, or a Payroll CertificationPreferred Education and ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field plus 2–4 years of experience, or 6–8 years of experience with an emphasis on generalist and payroll responsibilities (preferred)Other RequirementsHybrid role based in Irvine, CAHome work setup requirements:Internet access via cable or fiber with 40 MB download / 20 MB uploadWired Ethernet connection required (wireless connections and hotspots are not permitted)A designated room for an office or steps taken to protect company informationAbility to maintain a HIPAA-compliant workstation and use appropriate security techniques to protect confidential/protected dataJSG offers medical, dental, vision, life insurance options, short-term disability, 401(k), weekly pay, and more. Johnson Service Group (JSG) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. JSG provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. #D800