Payroll Clerk

Job Summary:

The Payroll Clerk is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for hourly and salaried employees. This role performs payroll data entry, validates timekeeping records, assists with audits and reconciliations, and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour regulations. The incumbent serves as a key point of contact for payroll-related inquiries and supports broader HR and Payroll functions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Process payroll data for hourly and salaried employees, including regular hours, overtime, meal premiums, differentials, bonuses, and adjustments
• Review, audit, and validate timekeeping records to ensure compliance with wage-and-hour requirements
• Enter and maintain accurate employee payroll data, including pay rates, deductions, garnishments, and tax withholdings
• Assist with payroll corrections, retroactive adjustments, and off-cycle payrolls as needed
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries in a timely, professional, and confidential manner
• Support payroll audits, reconciliations, and reporting (e.g., payroll registers, variance reports)
• Process and track wage garnishments, levies, and child support orders in compliance with legal requirements
• Coordinate payroll-related data with HR, Accounting, and Benefits team members
• Assist with year-end processes, including W-2 preparation and reconciliation
• Maintain payroll records in accordance with record retention requirements
• Prepare labor reports
• Support continuous improvement of payroll processes and internal controls

Required Skills and Qualifications:

· High School diploma or equivalent required

· Minimum of 2-3 years of payroll processing or payroll support experience

· Working knowledge of payroll principles, California wage-and-hour laws, and timekeeping systems

· Experience processing payroll in a multi-shift or manufacturing environment preferred

· Strong attention to detail and accuracy

· Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism

· Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer

· Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times

• Adhere to safe work practices in a continuous improvement environment
• Plant equipment noise is elevated requiring the use of hearing protection and seasonal temperatures can be expected