Payroll Specialist

We are looking for a Payroll Specialist to join a school district team in California. This Long-term Contract opportunity is ideal for a payroll specialist who can support payroll operations while partnering with HR, finance, IT, and other stakeholders to improve system performance and accuracy. The role focuses on payroll process configuration, compliance, data integrity, training, and ongoing user support within a complex organizational environment.

Responsibilities:

• Partner with district departments and cross-functional teams to gather payroll needs and translate them into effective system solutions.
• Oversee payroll system setup activities, perform testing, and identify issues that affect processing accuracy or functionality.
• Manage data conversion efforts by reviewing migrated records, validating results, and reconciling discrepancies before and after implementation.
• Create user guides, reference materials, and training sessions to help payroll staff and end-users work confidently within the system.
• Act as the primary point of coordination between the district and external software providers to address technical concerns and service issues.
• Monitor payroll practices to ensure alignment with applicable regulations, internal policies, and reporting standards.
• Provide ongoing support after implementation by resolving system-related problems and recommending process or functionality improvements.
• Assist with payroll-related audits, benefits administration impacts, and documentation tied to accounting and reporting needs.
• Hands-on experience in payroll administration, preferably in a public sector, education, or similarly complex organization.
• Working knowledge of payroll platforms and accounting software, including tools such as ADP Workforce Now, Ceridian, or Dayforce.
• Ability to support payroll configuration, testing, troubleshooting, and process documentation within an enterprise system.
• Experience with data validation, reconciliation, and audit support to maintain accurate payroll records.
• Understanding of payroll compliance requirements, reporting obligations, and benefit-related processes such as retirement or 401(k) administration.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across HR, finance, IT, and vendor teams.
• Clear communication and training capabilities for supporting both technical and non-technical users.