Payroll Specialist (Onsite – Costa Mesa with Hybrid Flexibility)
Are you looking for a collaborative environment with a team that values hard work, accountability, and growth? This is an opportunity to become a key contributor within a growing department. We are seeking a high-ownership Payroll Specialist to take full responsibility for payroll accuracy, compliance, and execution across a multi-state workforce. This role is critical in ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time while maintaining compliance and minimizing risk. This is a great fit for someone who is detail-oriented, systems-minded, and thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Responsibilities:
- Bi-weekly payroll processing
- Manage multi-state payroll compliance, tax, and risk management
- Audit timesheets to ensure accuracy and data integrity
- Oversee 401(k) and benefit deductions, including reporting and audits
- Support payroll system improvements and transitions
- Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related questions
- Assist with ad hoc projects as assigned by HR leadership
Required Qualifications:
- 3+ years of payroll experience (100–300+ employees preferred)
- Experience with multi-state payroll processing
- Strong knowledge of federal and state labor laws (CA required)
- Hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now (required)
- Experience supporting 401(k) administration through payroll
- High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines
- Strong problem-solving and communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365, especially Excel (audits, reconciliations, reporting)
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
- Experience with prevailing wage and union environments
Preferred Qualifications:
- Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- FPC or CPP certification
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.