Payroll Specialist

International Executive Service Corps; Watsonville (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A non-profit organization in Watsonville, California is seeking a Payroll Specialist who will manage payroll processing activities, ensure compliance with regulations, and respond to employee inquiries. Candidates should have an Associate's Degree in Accounting, 2-5 years of payroll experience, and excellent communication skills. The position requires maintaining confidentiality and attention to detail while meeting deadlines. Salary will be determined based on experience, with ranges aligned to market data.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of related payroll experience.
• Maintain confidentiality of payroll information.

Responsibilities

• Perform payroll processing activities under minimal supervision.
• Review payroll for accuracy and compliance.
• Support payroll audits and documentation preparation.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries promptly.

Skills

Payroll processing

Confidentiality

Intermediate Excel skills

Oral communication

Written communication

10-key by touch

Education

Associates Degree in Accounting or equivalent

Job description

Under minimal supervision, perform and support payroll processing activities, including maintaining payroll records, administering involuntary deductions, and preparing related accounting transactions to ensure accurate and compliant payroll operations.

Essential Job Accountabilities

Own end-to-end payroll processing, including time entry review, payroll edits, check processing, and journal entry posting to ensure accurate and timely payments to employees.

Support monthly union trust fund reporting and assist with audit requirements to ensure compliance with applicable agreements and regulations.

Partner with Human Resources to review collective bargaining agreement (CBA) updates and ensure payroll system changes are accurately implemented.

Review payroll activities performed by others to ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to established procedures.

Administer payroll-related transactions such as wage garnishments, leaves of absence (FMLA, SDI, personal leave), and other adjustments in compliance with applicable laws and policies.

Analyze payroll reports and data to ensure accurate recordkeeping, reporting, and issue resolution.

Maintain payroll records and perform system updates to ensure data integrity and accurate reporting.

Respond to employee payroll inquiries in a timely, professional, and customer-focused manner.

Support payroll audits by preparing documentation and assisting with audit requests as needed.

Perform administrative and clerical tasks to support overall payroll department operations.

Meet all weekly and monthly payroll deadlines to ensure high-quality service and operational efficiency.

Education and Work Experience

• Associates Degree in Accounting or equivalent
• 2-5 years of related Payroll experience

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Maintain strict confidentiality of payroll and employee information.

Has moderate technical knowledge of commonly used payroll concepts, practices, and procedures.

Intermediate Excel and Word skills

10-key by touch

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Salary will be determined based on the individual’s knowledge, skills and experience. Ranges are aligned with market data and/or collective bargaining agreement rates.

Equal Opportunity Employer