Payroll Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k)

Holidays & Vacation

Job summary

Zūm is hiring a Payroll Specialist in Redwood City, CA. This hybrid role focuses on payroll execution, compliance, reconciliation, and reporting for 1,000+ employees, including hourly and salaried staff. You will partner with HR and Finance to maintain data integrity and resolve inquiries.

The position requires 3–5+ years of payroll experience, ADP proficiency, strong Excel skills, and knowledge of FLSA/IRS regulations. Onsite three days per week in the Bay Area is expected.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of payroll processing experience.
• Experience with ADP and time & attendance systems.
• Advanced Excel for reconciliation and auditing.
• Knowledge of FLSA and IRS payroll tax regulations.
• Experience with multi-state payroll processing.

Responsibilities

• Process payroll for 1000+ employees, including bonuses and corrections.
• Administer union payroll per CBA terms, including overtime and dues.
• Review data for wage, tax, and deduction accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws.
• Perform regular payroll audits and prepare reports.
• Respond to payroll inquiries and reconcile payroll registers.
• Collaborate with HR/Finance to ensure data accuracy.
• Support SOX compliance and internal controls documentation.
• Identify process gaps and suggest improvements.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Education

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

FPC/CPP designation

Tools

ADP Payroll

Time & Attendance Systems

Google Workspace

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.