Payroll Clerk Job in Salinas, CA | Robert Half

Payroll ClerkWe are looking for a Payroll Clerk to support accurate and timely payroll operations for a busy Human Resources team in Salinas, California. This long-term contract position is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented, organized, and confident handling sensitive employee information while working through payroll questions and recordkeeping needs. The person in this role will partner closely with payroll leadership to help maintain compliance, resolve issues efficiently, and keep payroll data current across routine transactions and reporting activities.Responsibilities:Manage payroll processing activities for employees across multiple states while following applicable federal and state regulations.Review and handle wage garnishments, employment verification requests, and related payroll documentation with accuracy and discretion.Serve as a point of contact for payroll-related questions, researching issues and providing clear, timely responses to employees and internal stakeholders.Enter and update payroll data in company systems to support personnel changes, earnings, deductions, and other administrative payroll actions.Assist with payroll reviews and audit activities by preparing records, validating data, and helping identify discrepancies.Maintain organized payroll files, reports, and supporting documentation while safeguarding confidential employee information.Generate and update payroll reports to support compliance, record retention, and departmental tracking needs.Contribute to additional payroll or administrative tasks as business needs require.