Senior Payroll Specialist

Location: Temecula, California

Overview

A well-established hospitality and wine organization in Southern California is seeking a Senior Payroll Specialist to manage and oversee multi-entity payroll operations. This role ensures the accurate and timely processing of payroll, compliance with wage and hour laws, and maintenance of payroll records across multiple business units. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, collaborative, and experienced in handling complex payroll functions within a dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Process and audit bi-weekly payroll for approximately 250–300 employees across multiple entities.
• Review and reconcile timecards, overtime, PTO, tips, and commissions.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour regulations (with emphasis on California law).
• Administer deductions, garnishments, and benefit-related adjustments.
• Maintain accurate employee and payroll records within the HRIS/payroll system.
• Prepare and submit reports for management, audits, and year-end processing.
• Serve as the primary contact for payroll inquiries, ensuring timely and professional responses.
• Collaborate with HR and Accounting on new hires, terminations, and changes in employment status.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of payroll experience, preferably in hospitality, winery, or multi-entity environments.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and California payroll laws and regulations.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with ADP or similar payroll software preferred.
• Excellent attention to detail, confidentiality, and time management skills.
• Strong communication and problem-solving abilities.

Schedule and Compensation

• Full-time position, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Hourly rate: $33.65 – $38.46, based on experience.

Employee Benefits

Full-Time Associates

• Medical Insurance: $350 monthly company contribution toward medical plans through Kaiser and United Health Care. Multiple plan options available, including HMO and PPO.
• Dental Insurance: 100% premium covered for Principal EPO Dental Plan. Upgrade option available for Dental POS plan (associate covers additional cost).
• Vision Insurance: 100% premium covered for Principal Vision (VSP Choice). Option to add dependent coverage at associate’s expense.
• Hospital Confinement Plan (Elective): Lump sum payments for hospitalization ($1,000/day or $2,000/ICU).
• Life/AD&D Insurance: $50,000 coverage paid by the company, with options to increase up to $200,000 at the associate’s expense.
• Pet Care Plan (Elective): Discounts on veterinary care, prescriptions, and grooming.
• 401(k) Plan: Available to associates who meet eligibility requirements.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous accrual program.
• Additional Perks: Discounted associate lunch program.

Part-Time Associates

• Paid sick leave in accordance with company policy.
• Discounted associate lunch program.
• 401(k) eligibility for qualified associates.