Payroll Specialist

Acuity Eye Group

. Assist with accurate and timely processing of biweekly and off-cycle payrolls .

Posted 10/13/2026full-timeSanta Ana • California • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $27 - $32 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in payroll processing, including compliance with federal and state regulations, payroll reconciliations, and the use of payroll systems like Paylocity. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential for resolving discrepancies and ensuring accuracy in payroll operations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Payroll Processing PrinciplesPaylocity ExperiencePayroll ReconciliationsCertified Payroll Specialist (CPS)Federal And California Payroll Requirements

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Payroll ProcessingPayroll ReconciliationsPayroll AuditsPayroll TaxesTimekeepingPTO ManagementData AnalysisMicrosoft ExcelPayroll SystemsAttention To Detail

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsProblem-Solving SkillsOrganizational SkillsConfidentialityTeam Collaboration

Tools & Technologies

PaylocityMicrosoft OfficeExcelWordOutlook

Certifications & Qualifications

Certified Payroll Specialist (CPS)FPCCPP

Industry Keywords

Multi-State PayrollHealthcare PayrollOphthalmic PayrollRegulated IndustriesW-2 Preparation

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Assist with accurate and timely processing of biweekly and off-cycle payrolls
Review, verify, and input payroll data, including hours, overtime, PTO, bonuses, commissions, deductions, benefits, reimbursements, and adjustments
Review payroll for completeness, accuracy, and compliance before submission
Process employee changes, including new hires, terminations, transfers, pay rate and department changes, tax withholdings, direct deposits, deductions, and benefit elections
Process and verify federal and state tax withholdings, deductions, and garnishments
Review timekeeping and attendance records and resolve discrepancies with managers and HR
Prepare routine payroll reports covering gross payroll, hours, PTO balances/accruals, deductions, taxes, and benefits
Assist with payroll reconciliations and resolve discrepancies
Support monthly, quarterly, and year-end reporting, including W-2 preparation and reconciliation
Assist with payroll audits and provide supporting documentation
Maintain payroll records according to company policy and record-retention requirements
Assist with payroll system maintenance, testing, and data integrity
Support system upgrades, implementations, and integrations
Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, efficiency, and accuracy
Respond to employee and manager payroll questions
Help ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including wage and hour requirements
Communicate potential issues to management and escalate complex or high-risk payroll issues
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive compensation, tax, banking, benefit, and garnishment information
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

High school diploma or GED
3–5 years of payroll experience, preferably in a multi-state or complex payroll environment
Working knowledge of payroll processing principles and practices
Experience with payroll systems; Paylocity strongly preferred
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word, and Outlook
Strong attention to detail, organization, and ability to meet payroll deadlines
Ability to research discrepancies and resolve routine payroll issues independently
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, Business Administration, or related field preferred
Experience processing payroll for multiple locations or states preferred
Experience in healthcare, ophthalmic, medical, or similarly regulated industries preferred
Experience with payroll reconciliations, payroll-related accounting, audits, and year-end W-2 processes preferred
Knowledge of federal and California payroll requirements preferred
Certified Payroll Specialist (CPS) or other payroll certification; FPC or CPP a plus
Knowledge of payroll taxes, deductions, timekeeping, PTO, and compensation
Strong Excel skills (sort, filter, reconcile, analyze data)
Strong math, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment