Payroll Specialist

Zum; Redwood City (CA); Hybrid; USD 112,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k)

Holidays

Wellness

Vacation

and more

Job summary

Zūm is seeking a Payroll Specialist to support day-to-day payroll operations for 1000+ employees in a hybrid role based at our Redwood City, CA headquarters. This position focuses on payroll execution, compliance, reconciliation, and reporting, collaborating with HR and Finance to maintain data integrity.

We seek 3–5+ years of payroll experience, ADP proficiency, and strong Excel/Google Workspace skills. The role requires attention to detail and effective problem-solving in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of payroll processing experience.
• Knowledge of payroll compliance and multi-state processing.
• Experience with ADP and time/attendance systems.
• Advanced Excel skills for reconciliation and auditing.
• Understanding of FLSA and IRS payroll tax regulations.
• Familiarity with payroll reporting and reconciliations.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace or similar tools.
• Strong attention to detail and deadline management.
• Effective communication and problem solving.
• Experience in fast-paced or high-growth environments is a plus.
• Exposure to collective bargaining agreements preferred.
• Degree in Accounting/Finance/Business; FPC/CPP a plus.

Responsibilities

• Process payroll for 1000+ hourly and salaried employees, including adjustments, bonuses, and retroactive pay.
• Administer union payroll per CBA terms, including shift differentials and dues deductions.
• Review data for accuracy in wages, taxes, and deductions.
• Maintain compliance with federal/state/local payroll laws and tax filings.
• Conduct regular payroll audits to identify discrepancies.
• Prepare payroll reports and supporting documentation.
• Respond to employee inquiries and resolve issues promptly.
• Reconcile payroll registers and verify hours; resolve variances.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and other teams on employee data and processing.
• Conduct pre/post-payroll audits and support SOX controls.
• Identify process gaps and propose improvements for accuracy and efficiency.
• Assist internal/external audits and ensure documentation is up-to-date.

Skills

Payroll processing

ADP (WFM/Lyric)

Excel (Pivot, VLOOKUP)

FLSA/IRS payroll tax

Google Workspace

Attention to detail

Communication

Multi-state payroll

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business

FPC/CPP designation (plus)

Tools

ADP Workforce Now

Lyric

Time & attendance systems

Job description

About Zūm:

Zūm is revolutionizing mass mobility with its Connected Mobility Experience (Zūm CMX) system that connects and coordinates people, vehicles, and operations in real time. In the $50 billion student mobility market - the largest segment of the mass mobility industry, Zūm CMX is transforming a daily source of anxiety and disruption into a reliable, transparent, and efficient mobility experience for students and families. Today, more than 6,500 schools rely on Zūm CMX. Recognized globally for its innovative approach and operational execution, Zūm has been named to Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies, CNBC Disruptor 50 and Changemakers, the World Economic Forum, and the Financial Times' Fastest Growing Companies lists. Zūm is backed by leading investors including Sequoia Capital, GIC, TPG, and Softbank.

As a Payroll Specialist, you will support the day-to-day payroll operations to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing for employees. This role focuses on payroll execution, compliance, reconciliation, and reporting while partnering with internal teams to maintain data integrity and resolve payroll-related inquiries. This position reports to the Sr. Manager of Payroll and does not include supervisory responsibilities.

This is a hybrid position based out of our headquarters in Redwood City, CA. You will be required to be onsite 3 days per week (Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday). We will only consider candidates already located in the Bay Area.

What You'll Do:

• Process payroll for 1000 + hourly and salaried employees, including adjustments, Bonus, Reimbursement, corrections, retroactive pay and off cycle / manual checks.
• Administer union payroll per CBA terms, including shift differentials, overtime, and union dues deductions.
• Review payroll data for accuracy, ensuring proper calculations of wages, taxes, and deductions.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including tax filings and year-end activities (e.g., W-2s).
• Perform regular payroll audits to identify discrepancies and ensure accuracy.
• Assist in preparing payroll reports and supporting documentation as needed.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries and provide timely resolution.
• Reconcile payroll registers to each pay period, Validate hours; resolve variances promptly
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and other teams to ensure accurate employee data and payroll processing.
• Perform pre and post-payroll audits each cycle to catch errors before disbursement.
• Support internal/external audit engagements and SOX compliance; maintain payroll internal controls documentation.
• Identify process gaps and recommend improvements to strengthen accuracy and efficiency.
• Conduct periodic internal audits for compliance with FLSA, state wage laws, and CBA provisions.

What You Bring To Zūm:

• 3-5+ years of payroll processing experience.
• Working knowledge of payroll practices, compliance requirements, and multi-state payroll processing.
• Experience with payroll systems such as ADP (Workforce Now or Lyric) and time & attendance systems.
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, data validation) for reconciliation and auditing.
• Working knowledge of FLSA and IRS payroll tax regulations.
• Familiarity with payroll reporting and account reconciliations.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace or similar tools.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage deadlines.
• Effective communication and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in a fast-paced or high-growth environment is a plus.
• Exposure to collective bargaining agreements is preferred.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business (or equivalent experience)
• FPC/CPP designation is a plus.

The targeted base salary range for this role is listed in the compensation section below. Actual salary may be above or below this range based on factors such as location, skills, and relevant experience. In addition, this position may include additional compensation in the form of equity or commissions. If you are a full-time salaried or hourly worker, we offer the following benefits:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k)
• Holidays
• Wellness
• Vacation
• and more

The targeted pay range for this role in US CA is: $112,000 - 132,000.

Zūm Services, Inc. and all its subsidiaries provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.