Senior Payroll Analyst — Compliance & Automation Leader

El Pollo Loco, Inc.; Costa Mesa (CA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical + Dental + Vision Insurance +

HSA Savings Account

401(K) Retirement Plan with company  %

Paid Vacation + Sick Pay + 12 Paid H

Employee Assistance Program

Free El Pollo Loco food + restaurant |

PerkSpot discounts program

Job summary

El Pollo Loco, Inc. in Costa Mesa, CA is seeking a Senior Payroll Analyst to ensure accurate, timely payroll processing across multi-state operations. You will partner with People Services, Legal, Accounting, and IT to resolve complex issues, support system enhancements, and drive payroll efficiency.

The role emphasizes CA payroll regulations, audits, garnishments, and reporting. Ideal candidates have 5–7 years of multi-state payroll experience, Dayforce or similar systems, and advanced Excel

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 5–7 years of progressive payroll experience, multi-state.
• CPB preferred or equivalent certification.

Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly multi-state payrolls accurately and timely.
• Audit payroll transactions for compliance with regulations.
• Review earnings, deductions, taxes, bonuses, and final pay.
• Handle off-cycle payrolls and reconciliations.
• Support quarter-end and year-end activities and reporting.
• Assist with payroll audits and system implementations.

Skills

Advanced payroll knowledge

Analytical and problem-solving

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Time management

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred

Experience with enterprise payroll systems (Dayforce preferred)

Tools

Dayforce

Excel

Job description

El Pollo Loco, Inc. in Costa Mesa, CA is seeking a Senior Payroll Analyst to ensure accurate, timely payroll processing across multi-state operations. You will partner with People Services, Legal, Accounting, and IT to resolve complex issues, support system enhancements, and drive payroll efficiency.

The role emphasizes CA payroll regulations, audits, garnishments, and reporting. Ideal candidates have 5–7 years of multi-state payroll experience, Dayforce or similar systems, and advanced Excel