Senior Payroll Specialist — Multi-State & Compliance

Karman; Huntington Beach (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off

HSA contribution

FSA

Life insurance

AD&D insurance

Disability insurance

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense is seeking a Senior Payroll Specialist to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing across a high‑volume, multi‑state employee population in Huntington Beach, CA. You will manage complex payroll transactions and support reporting, reconciliation, and process improvements.

Responsibilities include ensuring data integrity, partnering with HR, and supporting year‑end activities such as W‑2 forms. Strong Excel, SOX, and FLSA knowledge are required.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of progressive U.S. payroll experience in multi‑state, high‑volume environments.
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now (WFN).
• Familiarity with Sarbanes‑Oxley (SOX) compliance requirements.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including VLOOKUP, PivotTables, and related data‑analysis functions.
• Strong knowledge of FLSA compliance and payroll tax regulations.
• Proven experience processing high‑volume payrolls accurately and on time.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with garnishment processing and priority.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Processes weekly or bi‑weekly multi‑state payrolls accurately and on time using ADP Workforce Now (WFN).
• Manages complex payroll transactions including bonuses, retroactive adjustments, off‑cycle checks, garnishments, and tax levies.
• Partners with Human Resources to validate employee data affecting payroll.
• Reconciles payroll prior to transmission to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Prepares and distributes payroll reports for Finance, audits, and internal stakeholders.
• Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour regulations, including FLSA requirements.
• Supports year‑end payroll activities, including Forms W‑2 and W‑2c.
• Investigates and resolves payroll discrepancies and implements corrective actions.
• Maintains payroll system data integrity and supports process improvements, audits, acquisitions, and special projects.

Skills

Payroll processing

FLSA compliance

SOX compliance

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Garnishment processing

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

ADP Workforce Now

Job description

Karman Space & Defense is seeking a Senior Payroll Specialist to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing across a high‑volume, multi‑state employee population in Huntington Beach, CA. You will manage complex payroll transactions and support reporting, reconciliation, and process improvements.

Responsibilities include ensuring data integrity, partnering with HR, and supporting year‑end activities such as W‑2 forms. Strong Excel, SOX, and FLSA knowledge are required.