Payroll Systems Administrator

We are looking for a Payroll Systems Administrator to take direct ownership of critical HR and payroll platforms for a growing late-stage clinical biopharma organization in California. This Long-term Contract position is ideal for a senior-level specialist who can independently manage system administration, strengthen audit readiness, and align technology configurations with real-world hiring and payroll operations. Based in California, this role combines hands-on platform support, cross-functional process oversight, and partnership with internal stakeholders and external vendors to ensure reliable end-to-end workforce data flow.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily administration of ADP Workforce Now, including account setup and removal, security access maintenance, workflow updates, system configuration changes, and report generation.
• Support ongoing HR systems enhancements by validating data accuracy, stabilizing recently deployed updates, and ensuring system performance meets business needs.
• Maintain a strong control framework by coordinating user access reviews, tracking administrative changes, preparing documentation, and responding directly to audit requests.
• Manage the applicant tracking system, such as Greenhouse or a similar platform, to ensure smooth movement of candidate and employee information from recruiting through payroll.
• Serve as the operational owner for interconnected HR, payroll, and recruiting processes by translating business requirements into effective system setup and usage.
• Apply structured change management practices by documenting incidents, service requests, and system changes with clear and consistent records.
• Lead related project activities such as gathering requirements, producing process documentation, coordinating testing, and working with stakeholders and vendors to deliver system improvements.
• Provide training and guidance to HR and payroll users on updated workflows, system functionality, and configuration changes.
• At least 5 years of experience in payroll systems, HRIS administration, or related HR technology roles.
• Hands-on expertise with ADP Workforce Now administration; implementation or migration experience is highly valued.
• Working knowledge of payroll, HRIS, and applicant tracking processes, with the ability to connect system functionality to business operations.
• Experience supporting audit and compliance controls, including user access reviews, administrative audit trails, and direct interaction with auditors.
• Familiarity with formal change control practices and the ability to distinguish operational support requests from governed system changes.
• Strong business analysis, documentation, and project coordination skills with the ability to manage workstreams independently.
• Prior experience in pharmaceutical or biopharma environments is preferred, especially within organizations scaling toward commercial operations.
• Experience in consulting or contract-based assignments and comfort working in an independent, senior-level capacity without guaranteed permanent conversion.