Payroll Specialist

Peterson Cat; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 54,346 - 63,369; Full time

Job summary

Peterson Cat is seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist for their San Leandro, CA location. This role involves managing payroll processing, taxes, and other payroll-related duties with accuracy and compliance to federal and state laws.

The ideal candidate will ensure timely processing of payroll while maintaining and updating records, responding to inquiries, and performing audits. Strong communication skills and teamwork are essential in this fully in-office position with a pay range of $39.45–$46.00 per hour.

Qualifications

• Minimum experience of 3 years in payroll processing.
• Familiarity with multi-state payroll systems.
• Ability to manage confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Administer payroll processing and ensure compliance.
• Manage payroll workflows accurately and timely.
• Calculate and resolve payroll discrepancies.
• Prepare and process manual checks.

Skills

Accuracy in payroll processing

Knowledge of federal/state payroll laws

Excellent communication skills

Team collaboration

Job description

Payroll Specialist – San Leandro, CA

Peterson Cat is looking for an experienced Payroll Specialist at our San Leandro, CA location. This is a fully in‑office position based at 955 Marina Blvd., San Leandro, CA. The role administers payroll processing, payroll taxes, union benefits, payroll deductions and contractual changes, performing complex multi‑state payroll duties with minimal supervision.

Essential Job Functions

• Set up new hires in the payroll system; ensure accuracy and completeness of all required information; maintain and update records pursuant to employee/payroll changes.
• Manage work activities to ensure all business process workflows are processed accurately and timely.
• Understand proper taxation of wages, benefits and other payroll factors and ensure compliance with federal and state laws.
• Perform semi‑monthly labor audit for non‑exempt employees; calculate and track adjustments and coordinate with managers when necessary.
• Process and reconcile commissions pursuant to defined programs; respond to inquiries; research discrepancies and resolve problems; generate reports as requested and maintain all paid commission voucher documentation.
• Prepare and process manual checks and positive pay transmission with bank.
• Manage post‑payroll paycheck distribution for exempt and non‑exempt employees.
• Transmit company benefit contribution data and 401(k) deferrals to Plan Administrator.
• Monthly reconciliation and posting of payroll General Ledger transactions; research and resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain and record mileage driven by Peterson owned vehicles for W‑2 reporting.
• Maintain all related payroll files and records; maintain back‑up documentation for all payments processed.
• Coordinate sick leave integration with disability payments; maintain spreadsheets for leave of absence employees, track integration and insurance premiums owed.
• Certified payroll reporting, when applicable.
• Calculate prevailing wage, when applicable.
• Respond to payroll inquiries from managers and employees in a timely manner.
• Serve as back up to team members.
• Special projects and reports as required.
• Maintain punctual, regular, and predictable attendance.

Additional Job Functions

• Work collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation.
• Display excellent communication skills including presentation, persuasion, and negotiation skills required in working with customers and co‑workers, including the ability to communicate effectively and remain calm and courteous under pressure.
• Respectfully take direction from supervisor/manager.

The pay range for this position is: $39.45–$46.00 per hour. We also offer a total compensation package in addition to base salary.

Peterson Holding Company is committed to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action. Minorities, females, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. A drug screen and background check is required.