Sr HR Generalist / Payroll Specialist

Description

The Senior HR Generalist / Payroll Specialist is a hands-on HR and payroll professional who manages full-cycle payroll operations and provides broad HR support, including employee relations, benefits administration, California and federal compliance, HR policy development, and HRIS administration. This role is the primary Paylocity administrator and payroll processor, partnering with business leaders to ensure accurate, timely payroll and consistent, legally compliant HR programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end payroll using Paylocity: collect time and attendance data, calculate wages, deductions, overtime, bonuses, and commissions; prepare and submit payroll runs; reconcile payroll reports and general ledger entries.
• Maintain and configure Paylocity as the HRIS/payroll system: manage system setup, integrations (timekeeping, benefits, general ledger), testing, and upgrades; coordinate with vendors and IT as needed.
• Ensure payroll compliance with federal and California law, including tax withholding, wage statements, State Disability Insurance (SDI), Employment Development Department (EDD) reporting, and wage-and-hour requirements.
• Administer benefits (health, dental, vision, 401(k), COBRA, open enrollment, and vendor relationships.
• Lead employee relations matters: investigations, coaching managers, progressive discipline, performance improvement plans, and separations; prepare clear, legally defensible documentation.
• Support recruiting and onboarding, including I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification), new-hire paperwork, background checks, and orientation; configure onboarding workflows in Paylocity.
• Produce HR and payroll metrics and reports (turnover, headcount, payroll cost, leave usage) and present findings to leadership.
• Develop and update HR policies and procedures to reflect California and federal requirements.
• Serve as primary contact during audits and government inquiries; prepare and respond to official requests for payroll and personnel records.
• Train and mentor HR staff on Paylocity and payroll/HR processes.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field — or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 5–7 years of combined HR and payroll experience, with direct experience administering Paylocity and processing payroll in California.
• Strong technical skills in HRIS/payroll configuration, payroll reconciliation, reporting, and Excel.
• Thorough knowledge of payroll tax rules, wage-and-hour laws, benefits administration, and California-specific programs.
• Strong employee relations, investigative, and written-communication skills.
• High integrity and discretion handling confidential payroll and personnel data.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage competing deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• PHR, SHRM-CP, or CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification.
• Experience with multi-state payroll and integrating timekeeping systems.

Working conditions & physical demands

• Office environment with regular computer work; occasional lifting of files or materials up to 25 lbs.
• Occasional evening or weekend work during payroll periods, month-end close, or special projects.
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and FEHA (California Fair Employment and Housing Act).

Employment relationship & compliance

• This is an at-will employment position under California law.
• The employer is an equal opportunity employer (EEO = Equal Employment Opportunity) and complies with federal and California non-discrimination laws, including FEHA and DFEH (Department of Fair Employment and Housing) requirements.
• Offers are contingent on successful background check and any job-related testing; pay statements and notices will comply with California wage and hour law.
• The company will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities under ADA and FEHA; applicants requiring accommodation should inform the recruiter.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement plan, paid sick leave (California Paid Sick Leave), and paid time off (PTO = Paid Time Off). Specific offerings may vary by location and employment status.
• How to apply
• Please submit a resume and cover letter outlining Paylocity experience and specific California payroll or HR compliance experience.