Payroll Specialist - Multi-Site Nonprofit (UKG Expert)

The-Salvation-Arm; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army is seeking a Payroll Specialist to manage accurate, bi-weekly payroll for multiple divisions across California. You will ensure compliance with federal and state laws, maintain data integrity in UKG, and collaborate with HR and Finance to support audits and financial accountability.

Responsibilities include processing payroll for 200+ employees, reviewing timesheets, allocating expenses, handling deductions, and assisting with year-end reporting and W-2s.

Qualifications

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field.
• Minimum 2–4 years of payroll processing experience in a nonprofit or multi-site organization.
• Experience processing payroll for 200+ employees.
• Knowledge of California wage and hour laws, payroll tax regulations, and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly payroll for all divisional employees across multiple Corps, programs, and grant-funded operations.
• Review and audit timesheets, earnings codes, and pay adjustments (overtime, holiday pay, retro pay).
• Coordinate with HR on hires, terminations, status changes, and data updates for payroll.
• Maintain accurate payroll records including earnings, deductions, benefits, and tax withholdings.
• Ensure proper allocation of payroll expenses across funding sources per grant requirements.
• Process manual checks, off-cycle payrolls, and retroactive adjustments as needed.
• Assist with benefits deductions (health premiums, FSA, retirement contributions) and other deductions.
• Reconcile payroll reports with the general ledger; support month-end and year-end processes including W-2s.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage laws; respond to inquiries confidentially.
• Assist audits by providing payroll documentation and reports.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Financial regulations knowledge

Problem-solving

Education

Associate's or bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field

Tools

UKG payroll system

MS Excel

Job description

The Salvation Army is seeking a Payroll Specialist to manage accurate, bi-weekly payroll for multiple divisions across California. You will ensure compliance with federal and state laws, maintain data integrity in UKG, and collaborate with HR and Finance to support audits and financial accountability.

Responsibilities include processing payroll for 200+ employees, reviewing timesheets, allocating expenses, handling deductions, and assisting with year-end reporting and W-2s.