Payroll Specialist (Onsite) – Phoenix, AZ

Payroll SpecialistAt Verde, we believe clean and healthy spaces create better places to work, learn, and play. Every day, our teams help customers create environments where people can thrive-and we know that starts by taking care of our own people.As a Hispanic-owned company, we're proud to be driven by our Core Values of Safety, Sustainability, Social Impact, and Awesomeness. These values come to life through the Verde Vibes -our culture of teamwork, ownership, accountability, and service.We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Payroll Specialist to join our team in Phoenix, AZ.

This is a fully onsite role responsible for processing payroll for approximately 450 employees across multiple states, with a strong emphasis on California payroll compliance. The ideal candidate is highly organized, deadline-driven, and well-versed in complex multi-state payroll regulations, particularly California wage and hour laws.Key ResponsibilitiesPayroll ProcessingProcess accurate and timely bi-weekly payroll for approximately 450 employees across multiple states (exempt and non-exempt)Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, with particular expertise in California wage and hour laws (overtime, meal & rest premiums, split shift pay, reporting time pay, final pay requirements, etc.)Review and reconcile timekeeping data, ensuring accuracy before each payroll runProcess off-cycle payroll runs, manual checks, and termination pay in accordance with applicable state deadlinesAdminister garnishments, levies, child support orders, and other payroll deductions accurately and on timeCalifornia & Multi-State ComplianceMaintain up-to-date knowledge of California Labor Code requirements including PAGA exposure, itemized wage statement requirements (CA Labor Code 226), and pay stub accuracyManage payroll tax filings and registrations across multiple statesEnsure compliance with CA pay frequency rules, final pay laws, PTO payout requirements, and sick leave accrualsSupport multi-state new hire reporting and unemployment insurance filingsPayroll Administration & RecordkeepingMaintain accurate payroll records, employee pay data, and payroll history in HRIS/payroll systemRespond to employee payroll inquiries in a timely and professional mannerCoordinate year-end payroll processes including W-2 preparation and distributionSupport internal and external payroll audits, General Liability Insurance audits, and Workers Compensation Insurance auditsSystems & Process ImprovementMaintain and optimize payroll system configurations to align with company policies and compliance requirementsIdentify and recommend improvements to payroll processes and internal controlsCollaborate with HR, Finance, and Operations to ensure accurate employee data and seamless payroll processingQualificationsRequired2–5 years of payroll processing experience, including multi-state payrollStrong, working knowledge of California payroll laws and regulations (overtime rules, final pay, wage statements, meal/rest premiums, etc.)Experience processing payroll for 300+ employeesProficiency with a ADP-Workforce NowStrong Excel skills including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and data reconciliationHigh degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to meet strict payroll deadlinesAbility to handle sensitive and confidential employee information with discretionPreferredAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, or related fieldCertified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)Experience in industries with hourly/non-exempt workforces (facilities services, janitorial, construction, hospitality, or similar)Core CompetenciesHighly organized with strong time management skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneouslyAnalytical mindset with a sharp eye for discrepancies and data accuracySelf-starter who takes ownership of the payroll function with minimal supervisionStrong communicator - able to explain payroll concepts clearly to employees and cross-functional partnersCollaborative team player with a service-oriented approachIntegrity and professionalism in handling sensitive compensation dataWe are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.