Payroll Specialist — Multi-State Compliance & Analysis

Acuity Eye Group; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Acuity Eye Group in Santa Ana, CA is seeking a Payroll Specialist to ensure accurate, timely payroll for all employees. Reporting to the Payroll Supervisor, this role handles biweekly and off-cycle payrolls, maintains records, and supports payroll accounting, compliance, and reconciliation.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years payroll experience, familiarity with Paylocity, and strong Excel and communication skills.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of payroll experience, preferably in a multi-state or complex payroll environment.
• Experience with payroll systems (Paylocity strongly preferred)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and ability to meet payroll deadlines
• Ability to research discrepancies and resolve routine payroll issues independently
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Knowledge of payroll taxes, deductions, timekeeping, PTO, and compensation

Responsibilities

• Assist with accurate and timely processing of biweekly and off-cycle payrolls
• Review, verify, and input payroll data, including hours, overtime, PTO, bonuses, commissions, deductions, benefits, reimbursements, and adjustments
• Review payroll for completeness, accuracy, and compliance before submission
• Process employee changes, including new hires, terminations, transfers, pay rate and department changes, tax withholdings, direct deposits, deductions, and benefit elections
• Process and verify federal and state tax withholdings, deductions, and garnishments
• Review timekeeping and attendance records and work with managers and HR to resolve discrepancies
• Prepare routine payroll reports (gross payroll, hours, PTO balances/accruals, deductions, taxes, benefits)
• Assist with payroll reconciliations and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner
• Support monthly, quarterly, and year-end reporting, including W-2 preparation and reconciliation
• Assist with payroll audits and provide supporting documentation
• Maintain payroll records in line with company policy and record-retention requirements
• Respond promptly and professionally to employee and manager payroll questions
• Help ensure payroll practices comply with federal, state, and local laws, including wage and hour requirements
• Stay informed of payroll changes and communicate potential issues to management
• Escalate complex or high-risk payroll issues to management in a timely manner
• Maintain confidentiality of compensation, tax banking, benefit, and other sensitive information
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

Skills

Payroll processing

Excel skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Confidentiality

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Paylocity

Microsoft Office

Job description

Acuity Eye Group in Santa Ana, CA is seeking a Payroll Specialist to ensure accurate, timely payroll for all employees. Reporting to the Payroll Supervisor, this role handles biweekly and off-cycle payrolls, maintains records, and supports payroll accounting, compliance, and reconciliation.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years payroll experience, familiarity with Paylocity, and strong Excel and communication skills.