Payroll Specialist

About

We are looking for an experienced Payroll Specialist to join our team in Menlo Park, California. This long-term contract role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a dynamic non-profit organization. You will play a critical role in ensuring the accuracy, efficiency, and compliance of payroll processes while driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and manage the payroll documentation library, including SOPs, process maps, controls narratives, and desk procedures.
• Develop detailed, role-based procedures for various payroll cycles, such as regular, off-cycle, retroactive payments, year-end adjustments, bonuses, and leaves.
• Document workflows in Workday, including dependencies and integrations related to timekeeping, benefits, general ledger, and cash management.
• Define and oversee key controls for earnings, deductions, taxes, and retirement plans, ensuring compliance with audit standards.
• Collaborate with internal audit and accounting teams to design controls and produce evidence aligned with organizational requirements.
• Standardize processes for handling retroactive adjustments, exceptions like garnishments, and other payroll-related scenarios.
• Lead initiatives to map processes, identify risks, and recommend simplifications for improved workflow efficiency.
• Create quality assurance frameworks and peer review protocols for payroll documentation updates.
• Develop quick reference guides, decision trees, and training materials for payroll staff and partners.
• Coordinate communications and updates related to changes in Workday configurations and payroll processes.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in technical writing, with a focus on payroll documentation.
• Exceptional writing skills, capable of translating complex processes into clear, actionable steps.
• Proven experience drafting SOPs and compliance documentation for payroll operations.
• Strong proficiency in process mapping tools, such as Visio.
• Familiarity with full-cycle and multi-state payroll processes, including handling payroll for over 500 employees.
• Expertise in ADP Workforce Now or similar payroll systems.
• Knowledge of U.S. payroll regulations, including taxability, retro calculations, and retirement plan eligibility.
• Experience with Workday Payroll or comparable systems is preferred.

About Robert Half

Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.

Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.

Visa Sponsorship

All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Benefits

Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.

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