Senior Payroll Specialist CA & Multi-State Expert

Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP, a San Francisco law firm, seeks a Senior Payroll Specialist to manage payroll for employees and partners across multiple states. You will oversee accuracy, compliance, and process improvements while partnering with HR and leadership to minimize risk.

The role emphasizes California wage-hour expertise, ADP Workforce Now proficiency, and a focus on audit-ready payroll, with opportunities to streamline processes and drive automation.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience.
• Knowledge of California wage and hour laws and multi-state payroll compliance.
• Experience in a law firm or professional services environment; self-employed partner payroll experience a plus.
• CPP certification is required.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration preferred.

Responsibilities

• Administer semi-monthly payroll for employees and partners, including partner draws and distributions.
• Ensure accurate data entry in ADP Workforce Now and compliance with payroll regulations.
• Conduct payroll orientation for new hires and explain pay schedules.
• Serve as primary contact for payroll inquiries and provide high-level service.
• Collaborate with HR/firm leadership on payroll compliance risk and guidance.
• Lead payroll system upgrades and integrations with HRIS and other systems.
• Identify automation opportunities to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Oversee payroll system configuration to align with policies and requirements.
• Prepare ad-hoc and scheduled payroll reports with earnings and deductions.
• Remit 401(k) deferrals and verify ERISA compliance.

Skills

Payroll processing

California wage & hour law

Multi-state compliance

Attention to detail

Communication

Confidentiality

Education

CPP certification

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

ADP Workforce Now

Excel

Job description

Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP, a San Francisco law firm, seeks a Senior Payroll Specialist to manage payroll for employees and partners across multiple states. You will oversee accuracy, compliance, and process improvements while partnering with HR and leadership to minimize risk.

The role emphasizes California wage-hour expertise, ADP Workforce Now proficiency, and a focus on audit-ready payroll, with opportunities to streamline processes and drive automation.