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Robert Half · 8 hours ago

Sr. Payroll Analyst

Carlsbad, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

$38/hr - $44/hr

5+ years exp

Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. They are seeking a Sr. Payroll Analyst to manage payroll processing, ensure compliance with payroll laws, and oversee payroll tax administration.

ConsultingHuman ResourcesRecruitingSecurity

No H1B

Responsibilities

Conduct payroll audits as needed to ensure accuracy and compliance

Review and approve payroll files prior to submission

Analyze payroll trends and validate payroll totals for management approval

Download and distribute required reports following payroll acceptance

Reconcile payroll activities from gross to net pay and verify taxation accuracy

Respond to questions from management and accounting regarding payroll

Set up and maintain payroll calendars within the payroll system

Adjust payroll calendars as needed to accommodate off-cycle check processing

Maintain and distribute the annual payroll transmission calendar

Manage payroll-to-general ledger (GL) mapping and support Accounting with related questions or configuration updates

Serve as backup to run payroll processing when the primary processor is unavailable

Oversee the check distribution process and ensure all clubs are properly set up with ADP and FedEx for delivery

Prepare and submit miscellaneous tax returns and payments (e.g., Hawaii, Nevada, New York, and Washington)

Establish new tax accounts and coordinate with the payroll tax service provider to address tax correspondence or inquiries from federal, state, and local agencies

Review and analyze wage and tax reconciliation reports for all jurisdictions

Partner with ADP to generate and process tax adjustments, amendments, and refunds as needed

Process check reversals and re-postings to correct tax errors

Review multi-jurisdictional employee tax withholdings to ensure compliance with applicable laws

Provide FUTA reporting to Accounting for monthly accrual adjustments

Reconcile quarterly tax filings against payroll reports to validate accuracy

Conduct bi-weekly reviews of state and local tax liabilities

Print manual checks daily and ensure Positive Pay files are submitted to the bank

Reconcile 401(k) contributions and provide balancing reports to the Benefits team and vendor; assist with any discrepancies

Oversee the garnishment process to ensure compliance with all legal requirements; review and support timely entry by Payroll Specialists

Partner with Accounts Payable to process employee gross-ups throughout the year

Manage relocation and severance payments, including lump sum and continuation pay

Coordinate pay for employees on leaves of absence, ensuring proper integration with California EDD payments

Monitor and process deductions in arrears, validating balances and ensuring accurate payroll deductions

Collaborate with the Benefits team to track manual payments made by employees with arrear balances

Process salary prorations for new hires and unpaid time off

Support Payroll Specialists in daily payroll processing activities as needed

Qualification

Multi-state payroll processingPayroll tax administrationADP Workforce NowAccounting principlesMicrosoft ExcelPayroll laws complianceAnalytical mindsetCertified Payroll ProfessionalFundamental Payroll CertificationADP SmartComplianceCommunication skillsAttention to detailProblem-solving skillsCollaboration skills

Required

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred

5–8 years of progressive payroll experience, including multi-state payroll processing and tax administration

Experience with large-scale payroll systems (e.g., ADP Workforce Now, Workday, or similar)

Proven track record reconciling payroll to general ledger and coordinating with Accounting and Finance teams

Prior experience managing payroll tax filings and responding to agency inquiries (federal, state, and local)

Exposure to leave-of-absence pay, garnishments, 401(k) reconciliation, and off-cycle processing

Strong understanding of payroll laws, wage and hour regulations, and taxation principles

High attention to detail with the ability to audit and reconcile complex payroll data

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, reconciliations)

Excellent communication and collaboration skills across departments

Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced, high-volume environment

Analytical and problem-solving mindset with commitment to accuracy and confidentiality

Preferred

Certified Payroll detail oriented (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)

Experience with multi-state payroll tax compliance across jurisdictions such as California, Nevada, New York, and Washington

Familiarity with ADP SmartCompliance or similar tax service platforms

Benefits

Medical, vision, dental, life and disability insurance

401(k) or deferred compensation plan (if eligible)

Paid time off for vacation, personal needs, and sick time

Paid holidays

Choice Time Off (CTO)

Company

Robert Half

Glassdoor3.8

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Founded in 1948

Menlo Park, California, USA

10001+ employees