Payroll Specialist

We are looking for a Payroll Specialist to join a non-profit organization in Palm Desert, California on a Long-term Contract basis. This position plays a key role in delivering accurate bi-weekly payroll support, maintaining reliable records, and helping ensure payroll practices align with applicable policies and regulations. The ideal candidate brings strong Excel capabilities, hands-on payroll experience, and the discretion needed to manage sensitive employee information. Familiarity with Workday and exposure to municipal or multi-state payroll environments would be valuable in this role.

Responsibilities:
• Administer bi-weekly payroll activities with a focus on accuracy, timeliness, and consistent follow-through.
• Examine payroll entries and supporting information to confirm completeness and adherence to organizational guidelines and legal requirements.
• Update employee payroll records for items such as onboarding changes, separations, withholding adjustments, and direct deposit revisions.
• Reconcile payroll reports before final processing and investigate discrepancies to ensure issues are resolved promptly.
• Organize and maintain payroll files, reports, and documentation while safeguarding confidential information.
• Address employee questions related to pay, deductions, and payroll records in a responsive and thorough manner.
• Prepare payroll-related reports and provide support for audits, compliance reviews, and required record retention activities.
• Work closely with human resources and accounting teams to keep payroll data aligned across functions.
• Use Microsoft Excel to analyze payroll information, perform reconciliations, and produce clear reporting.
• Assist with payroll system-related tasks, including work within Workday when applicable.• Previous experience in a payroll support, payroll clerk, or payroll specialist capacity.
• Demonstrated success processing bi-weekly payroll on a consistent basis.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data review, reconciliation, and reporting.
• Knowledge of full-cycle payroll practices, with multi-state payroll experience preferred.
• Exposure to Workday is advantageous, and Workday payroll experience is especially beneficial.
• Municipal payroll experience is highly desirable.
• Excellent attention to detail, sound organizational skills, and the ability to solve problems effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to handle confidential information appropriately.