• Sr. Payroll Specialist

    Robert Half Accountemps (Carlsbad, CA)


    Description

    A rapidly scaling biotech company in Carlsbad is seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Specialist to join their growing Finance & HR operations team. This is a high-impact role supporting a workforce of exempt, non-exempt, lab personnel, field teams, and remote employees across multiple states. The ideal candidate is someone who can thrive in a compliance-heavy environment, understands the nuances of payroll in a regulated industry, and can operate with a high level of confidentiality and accuracy.

    Responsibilities:

    + Manage full-cycle, multi-state payroll processing for 300+ employees on a biweekly and semi-monthly schedule

    + Validate timesheets, earnings, deductions, bonuses, and equity-related payroll entries

    + Ensure payroll compliance with federal, state, and local labor/payroll laws (with emphasis on CA, WA, CO)

    + Collaborate with HR and Accounting to reconcile payroll reports and GL entries

    + Oversee year-end processing including W-2s, taxable fringe benefits, and audit documentation

    + Respond to employee inquiries with professionalism and excellent customer service

    + Assist with process improvements, payroll system upgrades, and SOP development

    Requirements

    + 5+ years of payroll experience; 2+ years in a senior-level or lead role

    + Strong understanding of multi-state payroll, CA wage & hour law, and regulated industry compliance

    + Experience with Workday, ADP Workforce Now, or similar systems

    + Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills

    + CPP certification preferred but not required

     

    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 (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app) and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.

     

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

     

    • 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms) .