Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist

Commerce, California, United States

For over 80 years, Ernest has been committed to the success of our extended family, our customers, our employees, and the packaging industry itself. When you work with Ernest, you'll enjoy the advantages of learning proven methods of success, a proactive approach, and having fun while earning what you're worth with a lot of really awesome people.

Payroll Specialist

Location: Commerce, CA

Department: Corporate Human Resources

Employment Type: Full-Time / ON-SITE ONLY

Pay range: 30-34/hour

Ernest is currently in search of a Payroll Specialist for our Corporate office located in the city of Commerce, CA. This is a full-time on-site position that offers a competitive pay rate, benefits, and a fantastic company culture.

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of the company's bi-weekly, multi-state payroll, ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. This role oversees payroll recording, reconciliation, and reporting, and provides timely and reliable payroll data to support financial and operational needs. Serving as a subject matter expert for payroll operations, tax compliance, and payroll systems, the Payroll Specialist partners closely with HR, Finance, and external vendors to resolve complex issues, ensure payroll accuracy, and drive continuous improvement of payroll processes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Process accurate, timely bi-weekly, multi-state payroll for salaried, hourly, and commissioned employees using Paycom.
• Manage end-to-end payroll operations, including workflow oversight to ensure all processing deadlines are met.
• Review and validate timecards, earnings, overtime, paid leave, holiday pay, accruals, and separation payouts prior to payroll submission.
• Reconcile payroll data before transmission and validate post-payroll reports to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Process off-cycle payrolls, including manual checks for terminations, bonuses, retroactive pay, and payroll adjustments.
• Ensure accurate calculation, compliance, and processing of wage garnishments and other statutory deductions.
• Maintain payroll records, check registers, and recurring reports covering wages, taxes, benefits, deductions, and garnishments.
• Conduct data integrity reviews, including 401(k) deferral elections, loans, and related deductions.
• Prepare payroll journal entries, accruals, and related reporting in partnership with Finance.
• Prepare, audit, and submit quarter-end and year-end payroll filings, including Forms W-2, W-2c, and 941.
• Support internal and external audits, including workers' compensation, 401(k), and general payroll audits.
• Execute time and attendance processing and collaborate with leaders to resolve discrepancies.
• Respond promptly and professionally to employee payroll inquiries and issue resolution.
• Partner with Human Resources and Benefits to ensure accurate setup and maintenance of employee data, benefits, and deductions.
• Develop ad-hoc payroll, financial, and operational reports as needed.
• Document payroll procedures and maintain payroll best practices, controls, and compliance standards.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and internal controls.
• Maintain professional expertise through ongoing education, training, and engagement with payroll and HR best practices.

Physical Demands:

In this role, you'll be expected to sit, stand, talk, and listen regularly. There may also be occasional lifting of office supplies and products, up to 10 pounds.

Position Type/Work Hours:

• This is a full-time position. The standard operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Required Education and Qualifications:

• 3+ years payroll experience
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Critical thinker and problem-solving skills
• Reliable and collaborative
• Customer service oriented
• Technically curious and competent
• Analytical skills
• Experience with HRIS management/payroll software. Paycom preferred
• Payroll laws and regulations, federal and state
• Proficient in Excel; VLOOKUP's & pivot tables

Preferred Education And Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree is desired but relevant experience will also be considered
• Innovation to create seamless processes in payroll efficiency
• Familiarity with GL posting & understanding payroll impact on financials
• Experience using Paycom is a plus

Why Join Ernest?

Because at Ernest, your career isn't just a job, it's a journey. We're a connected, values-driven culture that celebrates growth, collaboration, and bringing your full self to work. From spontaneous team celebrations to supporting your professional development, we're committed to creating a place where people thrive.