PAYROLL SPECIALIST HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

Who We Are

Catalyst California (formerly known as Advancement Project California) advocates for racial justice by building power and transforming public systems. We partner with communities of color, conduct innovative research, develop policies for actionable change, and shift money and power back into our communities.

Rooted in the historic struggle for racial and economic equality, Catalyst California envisions a world where systems are designed for justice and support equitable access to resources and opportunities for all Californians to thrive. The primary programs are Educational Equity, Equity in Community Investments, Political Voice, and Reimagine Justice & Safety.

Position Summary

The Payroll Specialist will play a crucial role in managing the payroll process and report to the Human Resources Senior Manager. They will be responsible for the timely and accurate processing of payroll for all employees within the organization. This role involves maintaining payroll records, calculating wages, deductions, and benefits, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

The Payroll Specialist will also serve as a point of contact for employees regarding payroll-related inquiries and issues. Staying updated with changes in regulations and technology is essential for success in this role.

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Payroll Processing

Process payroll for all employees accurately and in a timely manner.

Review and verify timesheets, earnings, deductions, and other payroll-related information for accuracy and resolve any discrepancies.

Calculate wages, deductions, and overtime for employees.

Process payroll transactions including new hires, terminations, and changes to employee information.

Handle special payroll runs, including bonuses, and other off-cycle payments.

Payroll Administration

Ensure payroll tax filings are timely and accurately prepared on a daily, monthly, and quarterly basis in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Respond to payroll-related inquiries from employees and management.

Maintain confidentiality of payroll information and sensitive employee data.

Record Keeping and Reporting

Generate payroll reports for management or regulatory purposes.

Prepare and file payroll reports such as W-2 forms, 941s, and state unemployment reports.

Maintain accurate payroll records and employee files, and resolve discrepancies.

Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping for all payroll activities.

Compliance and Audit

Stay up to date with changes in payroll regulations and tax laws.

Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations, as well as Catalyst California policies.

Assist with internal and external audits related to payroll.

Process Improvement

Identify opportunities for process improvements and automation within the payroll function.

Recommend and implement changes to streamline payroll processes and enhance efficiency.

Collaborate with finance team to optimize payroll procedures.

Employee Support

Address and resolve payroll-related inquiries and issues from employees and management.

Provide guidance on payroll policies and procedures.

System Management

Utilize Paylocity’s payroll software to manage payroll processes.

Troubleshoot and resolve system issues related to payroll processing.

Suggest and implement process improvements to enhance payroll efficiency and accuracy.

Qualifications

The requirements listed represent the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & Experience

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

Professional certification such as Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) is a plus.

Five years of payroll processing experience

Prior experience with Paylocity and other payroll and human capital management (HCM) software. General ledger system experience a plus.

Candidate Profile, Skills, and Abilities

Proficiency with Paylocity is a must. Experience with other payroll software is a plus.

Strong understanding of payroll principles.

Strong understanding of payroll laws and regulations, including knowledge of applicable Federal and State HR/Payroll Laws (FMLA, FLSA, e.g.) and IRS regulations that impact payroll.

Proficiency in mathematics and strong numerical skills.

Ability to perform accurate calculations to avoid costly errors.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

Strong problem-solving and analytical skills; Ability to analyze payroll data and resolve discrepancies.

Excellent processing skills and attention to detail and accuracy. Meticulous in handling numbers and data entries.

Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with integrity and discretion.

Ability to meet deadlines.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Flexibility to adjust and contribute to continually evolving work situations and changing priorities.

Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Salary

In the spirit of pay transparency, we are excited to share the salary range for this part-time position is $35.58 to $42.79 per hour. This part-time role is expected to work 20 hours per week. If you are hired at Catalyst California, your final salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as skills, education, and/or experience. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer. Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above is the full salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range would not be typical in order to allow for future and continued salary growth.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision benefits for eligible employees and their spouses and/or dependents, including registered Domestic Partners.

403B retirement plan with employer matching benefits after 90 days.

Flexible Spending Account for eligible employees to allocate pre-tax money throughout the year.

Fifteen (15) vacation days, six (6) personal days, eight (8) sick days, along with national and office holidays.

Organizational and team Wellness Days to build team cohesion and camaraderie.

Opportunity to work in a flexible work culture that is sensitive to employee wellbeing and encourages work-life balance.

Provide scheduling flexibility for parents and caregivers and telework stipend.

Opportunity to see the meaning and impact of your work at an organization actively building more equitable communities and systems across California.

Opportunity to work in an organization dedicated to pay equity and diverse work culture.

Yearly professional development allowance and support of personalized professional development goals.