Senior Payroll Specialist - Full-Cycle, Multi-State

Total Package HR; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid vacation

Sick time

Holiday pay

401(k) plan

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

Total Package HR is seeking a Payroll Specialist to manage full-cycle payroll for multiple clients, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and regulatory compliance. The role involves audits, reports, and collaboration with HR and Benefits teams, with mentoring responsibilities for Payroll Coordinators.

The position requires strong problem-solving, ownership, and adherence to company values in a fast-paced, hybrid work environment. A bachelor’s degree is preferred, with 3–5 years of payroll experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor’s degree strongly preferred.
• 3–5 years of progressive HR or payroll experience in fast-paced or multi-client environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and customer service skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and sound judgment with confidential information.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while managing competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead full-cycle payroll processing for assigned clients, including complex multi-state payrolls.
• Audit and reconcile payroll data, deductions, benefits, taxes, and payroll configurations.
• Manage garnishments, off-cycle payrolls, bonuses, commissions, and corrections.
• Prepare payroll reports and support quarterly, annual, and year-end audits (W-2, 941).
• Monitor payroll tax filings and coordinate with Payroll Manager.
• Support ACA, COBRA, benefits reconciliations and compliance initiatives.
• Lead payroll setup, testing, and validation for new client implementations.
• Manage payroll-related HRIS configurations and policy updates.
• Serve as primary payroll contact for assigned clients and provide On-Demand payroll support.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, checklists, and payroll trackers.
• Mentor Payroll Coordinators through training and quality reviews.
• Identify payroll risks and recommend process improvements.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong organizational skills

Excellent communication

Independent and collaborative work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration/Management or related field

High school diploma or GED

Tools

HRIS

Job description

Total Package HR is seeking a Payroll Specialist to manage full-cycle payroll for multiple clients, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and regulatory compliance. The role involves audits, reports, and collaboration with HR and Benefits teams, with mentoring responsibilities for Payroll Coordinators.

The position requires strong problem-solving, ownership, and adherence to company values in a fast-paced, hybrid work environment. A bachelor’s degree is preferred, with 3–5 years of payroll experience.