Job Description
Job Description
Payroll Specialist (Temporary)
Location: Visalia, CA
Pay: $29.60/hour
Schedule: Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Assignment Type: Long-Term Temporary
Position Overview
Key Staffing is currently recruiting for a Payroll Specialist on behalf ofour client. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll professional who enjoys working in a structured, fast-paced environment where accuracy, confidentiality, and attention to detail are essential.
This position will report directly to the Controller and will be responsible for processing the agency's bi-weekly payroll while also supporting a variety of accounting functions. The ideal candidate will have experience processing payroll within a medium to large organization and possess a strong understanding of payroll regulations, accounting principles, and financial recordkeeping. Experience working for a government or quasi-government agency is preferred, but not required.
Please Note: This is currently a temporary position only.
Essential Payroll Responsibilities
- Process bi-weekly payroll accurately and timely in accordance with agency policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.
- Collect, validate, and enter employee timesheets and attendance records into the payroll system.
- Calculate and process:
-
- Overtime
- Benefit deductions
- Tax withholdings
- Wage garnishments
- Accruals
- Other payroll adjustments
- Maintain and update employee payroll records including:
-
- Tax information
- Benefits
- Pay rates
- Leave balances
- Direct deposit information
- Address and deduction changes
- Prepare, reconcile, balance, and correct payroll reports.
- Coordinate payroll processing with a third-party payroll provider if payroll functions become outsourced.
- Prepare payroll tax deposits and complete quarterly and annual payroll reporting, including W-2 processing.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and agency payroll regulations.
- Research and resolve payroll discrepancies while responding to employee payroll inquiries.
- Interpret agency policies, procedures, and labor agreements as they relate to payroll processing.
Accounting Responsibilities
- Assist with accounts payable, payroll accounting, and specialized Housing Authority accounting functions.
- Prepare journal entries and journal vouchers.
- Assist in preparing financial statements, schedules, spreadsheets, and financial reports.
- Support fiscal year-end closing activities and audit preparation.
- Compile supporting documentation for internal and external audits.
- Research and resolve accounting discrepancies while maintaining proper accounting controls.
- Prepare a variety of local, state, and federal financial reports and claims.
- Answer questions regarding accounting procedures and financial transactions.
- Assist other accounting staff as needed.
- Maintain organized financial records and accounting files.
Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years of payroll and accounting experience required.
- Experience processing payroll for a medium to large organization strongly preferred.
- Government or quasi-government payroll experience is a plus, but not required.
- Strong understanding of payroll laws, tax withholdings, deductions, and payroll compliance.
- Experience preparing payroll tax reports, W-2s, and quarterly filings.
- Knowledge of general accounting principles and financial recordkeeping.
- High level of accuracy, organization, and attention to detail.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and time management skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality with sensitive employee and financial information.
- Proficiency with computerized payroll and accounting systems, as well as Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
What We're Looking For
The ideal candidate is someone who:
- Has a strong payroll background and enjoys working with numbers.
- Thrives in a deadline-driven environment.
- Takes pride in producing accurate work with minimal supervision.
- Can balance payroll responsibilities while supporting broader accounting functions.
- Maintains professionalism and confidentiality at all times.
- Works well independently while collaborating effectively with the accounting team.
If you're an experienced payroll professional looking for a rewarding opportunity to support a respected public agency, we'd love to hear from you!