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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