Position Title: Payroll Specialist

Location: Santa Ana, CA (100% onsite)

Job Type: Contract-to-Hire

Pay: $30-43/hour

Schedule: Full-Time, Monday–Friday; 7 AM or 8 AM start time

background and drug check required

MUST HAVE ADP WORKFORCE NOW TO BE CONSIDERED

A growing organization based in Santa Ana is seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist to take ownership of processing and managing payroll operations for a multi-state workforce. This is a critical role created in response to a recent acquisition and staffing changes. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, experienced with payroll software, and confident handling sensitive information while ensuring payroll accuracy and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Process weekly payroll for over 300 employees across multiple U.S. states using ADP Workforce Now

• Handle all aspects of payroll processing, including earnings, deductions, garnishments, and tax withholdings

• Maintain payroll records and generate detailed reporting to support internal tracking and audit readiness

• Troubleshoot payroll discrepancies and reconcile payroll data with accounting systems

• Manage timekeeping systems and ensure proper recording of hours worked

• Stay current on federal, state, and local wage regulations and ensure adherence to legal requirements

• Serve as a key resource for payroll-related questions from employees and management

• Assist with payroll system upgrades and process enhancements

• Support audit and compliance efforts through documentation and process transparency

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of hands-on payroll processing experience in a multi-state environment

• Familiarity with wage and hour regulations, payroll taxation, and benefit deductions

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field (preferred)

• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) designation is a plus

• Experience working in both payroll and accounting functions, including reconciliation and GL reporting

• Strong analytical skills, discretion with confidential information, and a solutions-focused mindset

• Proficient with ADP Workforce Now and ideally NetSuite or similar accounting software

• Comfortable creating detailed payroll reports and working with complex data

• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.lhh.com/us/en/candidate-privacy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance