We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Payroll Specialist for a respected client in Carlsbad, CA. This role requires someone who has a proven track record in payroll processing, compliance, and reporting, and who can confidently manage payroll for a large and diverse workforce. The Senior Payroll Specialist will be responsible for ensuring payroll accuracy, leading process improvements, and partnering with HR, accounting, and leadership to ensure employees are paid correctly and on time. This is a high-visibility role where your expertise will directly impact both employee satisfaction and organizational compliance. Responsibilities<ul><li>Manage end-to-end payroll processing for multi-state employees.</li><li>Review and approve payroll data, including new hires, terminations, bonuses, commissions, and deductions.</li><li>Ensure compliance with wage and hour laws, prevailing wage requirements, and tax regulations.</li><li>Prepare and file payroll tax returns, reports, and reconciliations.</li><li>Maintain accurate payroll records and employee data in the HRIS system.</li><li>Respond to payroll inquiries with professionalism and confidentiality.</li><li>Collaborate with HR and accounting to ensure accurate benefit deductions and GL postings.</li><li>Generate payroll reports for executives, auditors, and government agencies.</li><li>Recommend and implement payroll process improvements.</li><li>Support audits and ensure adherence to SOX and internal control requirements.</li></ul>

<ul><li>Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration preferred.</li><li>5+ years of payroll experience, with strong knowledge of multi-state payroll laws.</li><li>Expertise with payroll systems (ADP, Workday, Paylocity, or similar).</li><li>Strong understanding of payroll tax filings and compliance requirements.</li><li>Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.</li><li>High level of confidentiality, accuracy, and integrity.</li><li>Strong organizational and communication skills.</li></ul>

Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. <a href="https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app" target="_blank">Download the Robert Half app</a> and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more. All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit <a href="https://roberthalf.gobenefits.net/" target="_blank">roberthalf.gobenefits.net</a> for more information. © 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to <a href="https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms">Robert Half’s Terms of Use</a>.

Carlsbad, CA
onsite
Temporary
35.00 - 45.00 USD / Hourly
We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Payroll Specialist for a respected client in Carlsbad, CA. This role requires someone who has a proven track record in payroll processing, compliance, and reporting, and who can confidently manage payroll for a large and diverse workforce. The Senior Payroll Specialist will be responsible for ensuring payroll accuracy, leading process improvements, and partnering with HR, accounting, and leadership to ensure employees are paid correctly and on time. This is a high-visibility role where your expertise will directly impact both employee satisfaction and organizational compliance. Responsibilities<ul><li>Manage end-to-end payroll processing for multi-state employees.</li><li>Review and approve payroll data, including new hires, terminations, bonuses, commissions, and deductions.</li><li>Ensure compliance with wage and hour laws, prevailing wage requirements, and tax regulations.</li><li>Prepare and file payroll tax returns, reports, and reconciliations.</li><li>Maintain accurate payroll records and employee data in the HRIS system.</li><li>Respond to payroll inquiries with professionalism and confidentiality.</li><li>Collaborate with HR and accounting to ensure accurate benefit deductions and GL postings.</li><li>Generate payroll reports for executives, auditors, and government agencies.</li><li>Recommend and implement payroll process improvements.</li><li>Support audits and ensure adherence to SOX and internal control requirements.</li></ul>
2025-09-16T18:58:59Z