Payroll Consultant, California Compliance
Job Description:
- Own and execute California regular rate of pay calculations, including overtime, premiums, and blended rates
- Process semi-monthly payroll, including manual calculations for commissions and complex earnings
- Manage and calculate supplemental earnings, including bonuses, incentives, and gift cards
- Perform termination pay and retroactive pay calculations in compliance with California regulations
- Support and execute off-cycle payroll runs as needed
- Oversee accurate timekeeping data management, including review and correction of timecard discrepancies
- Partner with operations and HR to ensure accurate tracking of hours worked, overtime, and leave
- Validate time and attendance data from systems such as UKG (or similar) prior to payroll processing
- Ensure compliance with California wage & hour laws, including meal/rest break premiums and regular rate calculations
- Develop and implement payroll policies, procedures, and documentation to mitigate risk
- Support the build-out of SOX-compliant controls and audit-ready processes within payroll operations
- Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations
- Conduct payroll and compensation analysis, including rate of pay validation and earnings audits
- Investigate discrepancies and resolve complex payroll issues with a root-cause approach
- Build and maintain Excel-based models and reports to support payroll accuracy and insights
- Partner with Finance on general ledger reconciliation and audit support
- Collaborate closely with HR, Finance, and Operations to ensure alignment across payroll inputs and outputs
- Serve as a subject matter expert for payroll-related inquiries and escalations
- Support system optimization and process improvements across ADP and timekeeping platforms
Requirements:
- 5-7 years of payroll experience, with deep expertise in California wage & hour laws
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) required
- Proven experience managing payroll with complex commission structures
- Strong experience with manual payroll calculations and operating in non-automated environments
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, formulas, data analysis)
- Experience with ADP Workforce Now and UKG (or similar timekeeping systems)
- Strong understanding of SOX compliance and internal controls
- Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and confidentiality
- Ability to navigate ambiguity and build processes in a fast-paced environment
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