Payroll Administrator
Job Description
HR - Payroll Administrator
Location: Modesto, CA
Pay: $32-$36 -Â Exempt
We are seeking a proactive "ideas person" who is an organized and detail-oriented Payroll Administrator to join our HR team. This position combines comprehensive payroll administration with human resources support to enhance team performance, engagement, and recognition. The Payroll Administrator will oversee accurate and compliant payroll processing, generate data-driven reports for leadership, and lead initiatives such as the employee recognition program and monthly newsletter.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives on accuracy, process improvement, and building positive employee experiences.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Administration
- Manage full-cycle payroll processing for multiple locations across California, including wages and deductions, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
- Proactively generate time and attendance trend reports for leadership, highlighting areas for improvement and compliance risks.
- Maintain accurate time and attendance records; partner with managers to address discrepancies and ensure labor law compliance (overtime, rest breaks, holidays, vacation, sick leave).
- Process payroll changes such as new hires, terminations, and salary updates.
- Reconcile payroll data, perform audits, and resolve payroll-related issues promptly.
- Generate payroll reports to help prepare year-end filings (W-2s, 1099s), and maintain organized payroll records.
- Implement and test new payroll system features, upgrades, and process improvements.
- Assist with onboarding processes, benefits administration, and leave of absence (FMLA/CFRA/LOA) tracking.
- Complete required agency and audit reporting (EEO, BLS, EDD, etc.).
Employee Engagement & Communication
- Lead the employee recognition program, including planning and coordinating small company events or initiatives.
- Manage the creation and distribution of the company’s monthly employee newsletter - highlighting star employees.
Qualifications
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required.
- Payroll Certification (FPC, CPP) preferred.
- 3+ years of payroll processing experience.
- 1+ years of human resources support experience.
- Strong understanding of payroll laws, compliance requirements, and reporting.
- High level of confidentiality, accuracy, and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills; proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Windows.
- Experience with ERP systemsÂ
- Ability to adapt quickly to new software and processes.
Meet Your Recruiter
Jamie Goldman
Executive Recruiter
Jamie comes to APS with over 15 years of Executive Recruitment and Client Management Experience working on searches to build great teams in a variety of different industries throughout her career. Prior to joining APS, Jamie owned her own Executive Search firm where she specialized in nationwide searches for Accounting, Finance, Operations, Sales, and Marketing roles. She holds an MBA in General Business and a BSBA in Marketing from the University of Central Florida. Although Jamie was born and raised in Florida, she currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada with her two young children and Golden Retriever. Jamie is passionate about recruiting and doing what she feels is best for both her candidates and clients.
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Unlock your next career opportunity in the thriving area surrounding Oakdale, California! Nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Central Valley, Oakdale boasts a perfect blend of small-town charm and vibrant community spirit. With its close proximity to Yosemite National Park and the stunning Stanislaus River, outdoor enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise. Delight in the region's rich agricultural heritage, diverse culinary scene featuring farm-to-table dining, and explore local treasures like the Oakdale Cheese Factory and hiking trails at Knights Ferry. Don't miss the chance to catch a show at the historic Oakdale Cowboy Museum or enjoy the annual Oakdale Rodeo, the longest-running rodeo in the state. Discover the endless career possibilities awaiting you in this enchanting locale.