Payroll & Benefits Specialist

W2 Contract to Hire

Onsite, Tustin, CA

$65-85k/yr

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We are seeking a meticulous Payroll Specialist to own the end-to-end payroll process for our growing team. This is not just a data-entry role; you will be responsible for the accuracy of multi-state tax compliance and the complex reconciliation of benefit premiums. You will ensure that every employee is paid accurately and on time.

Key Responsibilities

• Multi-State Payroll Processing: Process bi-weekly payroll for employees across multiple states using ADP Workforce Now, ensuring compliance with varying state-specific labor laws and tax withholdings.
• Benefits Reconciliation: Perform monthly audits of insurance billings (Health, Dental, Vision, Life) against payroll deductions to ensure accuracy and resolve any discrepancies with carriers.
• Off-Cycle Management: Independently manage off-cycle payrolls, manual checks, voids, and adjustments as required for terminations or corrections.
• Timecard Auditing: Review and audit employee timecards for accuracy, including hours worked, overtime, premiums, and California meal/rest period compliance.
• Deduction Audits: Conduct regular audits of benefit deductions, 401(k)/retirement contributions, garnishments, and other voluntary/involuntary deductions to ensure alignment with plan documents and legal limits.
• Year-End Reporting: Lead the year-end closing process, including the verification and distribution of W-2s and 1095-C forms.
• Inquiry Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for employee questions regarding paychecks, tax withholding, and benefit-related deductions.
• Tax Compliance: Manage state and local tax registrations; oversee the filing of quarterly and annual payroll tax returns via our 3rd-party provider.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: 3+ years of dedicated payroll experience, specifically managing multi-state payrolls.
• Technical Expertise: At least 1 year of experience using ADP Workforce Now and advanced proficiency in Excel (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables are a must).
• Reconciliation Skills: Proven experience in benefits reconciliation
• Knowledge: Deep understanding of FLSA classifications, state-specific overtime laws, and nexus rules.

TCWGlobal is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on age, ethnicity, gender, nationality, religious belief, or sexual orientation.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Important Candidate Safety Notice

This position has been verified and officially approved by TCWGlobal.

Please be aware that fraudulent recruiters and fake job postings may attempt to impersonate legitimate companies online. For your protection:

• Only trust communication from verified TCWGlobal representatives

• Ensure a TCWGlobal recruiter is present on all official phone or video interviews

• TCWGlobal will never request payment, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or sensitive banking information during the hiring process

• Do not share sensitive personal information with unverified individuals or suspicious third parties

• If you are unsure whether a posting or recruiter is legitimate, we encourage you to verify active opportunities directly through https://www.tcwglobal.com/client-jobs or by contacting hello@tcwglobal.com

TCWGlobal is committed to protecting candidates and maintaining a safe, transparent, and professional hiring experience.