Senior Payroll Specialist

This role follows a hybrid/remote work model. Ideally, the candidate will be located near Pomona, CA, to provide occasional on-site support as needed, particularly for time-sensitive tasks like final paychecks (e.g., live checks for California terminations). However, we are open to fully remote candidates who meet all other qualifications, with the expectation of traveling to Pomona, CA, for initial onboarding and training during the first week of employment. Is this the role you are looking for If so read on for more details, and make sure to apply today. Summary: The Senior Payroll Specialist is responsible for accurate, timely payroll processing across union and non-union sites, including California. This role manages end-to-end payroll functions, supports audits, ensures compliance, and collaborates on system updates and process improvements with the HR Operations and Payroll Supervisor. A working knowledge of accounting principles is essential for accurate entries and proper GL coding. The specialist also partners with Accounting on journal entries, reconciliations, and reporting. Additionally, this role co-manages Leave of Absence (LOA) processes, working cross-functionally with HR, Benefits, and site leadership to ensure correct payroll impacts and compliance with leave policies. Responsibilities: Payroll Processing & Accuracy Process bi-weekly and off-cycle payroll for hourly and salaried employees across multiple locations, ensuring accuracy and compliance with wage laws and internal policies. Maintain and audit payroll data in UKG, including hires, terminations, pay changes, bonuses, commissions, RSUs, garnishments, benefits, and deductions. Serve as a backup for union payroll and provide subject-matter expertise on union payroll practices and compliance. Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies to ensure timely and accurate payments. Compliance & Reporting Ensure payroll compliance with federal, state (especially California), and local tax and wage laws. Support timely submission of government filings, garnishments, and other statutory reporting. Assist with audits by providing accurate and timely payroll data and documentation. Stay current on payroll legislation and best practices; communicate key updates to the HR Operations and Payroll Supervisor and team. Accounting & Financial Support Apply basic accounting knowledge to support payroll-related financial processes and GL impact. Partner with Accounting to ensure accurate GL coding, payroll expense allocation, and reconciliations. Review payroll reports, tax reconciliations, and journal entries for accuracy and completeness. Support payroll components of month-end and year-end close. Leave of Absence (LOA) Management Co-manage LOA processes with HR and Benefits, ensuring accurate tracking, pay adjustments, and return-to-work transitions. Review LOA-related payroll inputs for accuracy and compliance. Support payroll integration of LOA updates and resolve related pay issues. Process Improvement & Collaboration Partner with the HR Operations and Payroll Supervisor to improve and document payroll workflows, procedures, and controls. Assist in training payroll team members on new processes and procedures. Participate in payroll meetings and required compliance or policy training. Perform other payroll-related duties as assigned. Education / Experience Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred; equivalent work experience will be considered. Minimum of 5 years of payroll experience in a multi-state and multi-site environment, including union environments. Strong working knowledge of UKG (formerly UltiPro). Solid understanding of payroll tax laws, accounting principles, and payroll compliance practices. Hands-on experience with California payroll processing and a strong understanding of California labor code and termination pay requirements. Core Competencies Collaboration: Works closely with HR, site leadership, and cross-functional teams to support efficient payroll operations. Customer Focus: Provides responsive, knowledgeable support to employees and internal partners regarding payroll inquiries. Results-Oriented: Maintains accuracy and meets deadlines consistently in a fast-paced, high-volume payroll environment. Compliance-Focused: Ensures adherence to payroll laws, tax regulations, and internal controls, especially for California and union environments. Integrity & Confidentiality: Handles sensitive data responsibly and with professionalism. Technical Skills Payroll Expertise: Deep knowledge of full-cycle payroll, including garnishments, taxes, benefits, and year-end reporting. California Payroll Law: Proven experience navigating the complexities of California's wage and hour regulations. Payroll Systems: Proficiency in UKG and related systems; ability to audit and troubleshoot issues effectively. Excel & Reporting Tools: Advanced Excel skills and comfort working with payroll reports and reconciliations. Analytical Thinking: Able to identify issues and recommend solutions proactively. Process Documentation: Experience developing and maintaining SOPs and supporting compliance documentation. Union Payroll Knowledge: Familiar with collective bargaining agreements and union-specific payroll requirements. LOA Integration & Compliance: Experience co-owning divisional leave of absence (LOA) processes; skilled in coordinating payroll implications of LOA cases, ensuring accurate pay and compliance with federal, state, and company leave policies. Licenses / Certifications Membership with the American Payroll Association (preferred) Work Conditions Work Hours: Full-time position; standard business hours with flexibility based on operational needs. Deadline-Driven: High attention to detail required to meet strict payroll timelines. Confidentiality: Strong emphasis on discretion and secure handling of payroll and employee data. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Regular interaction with HR, Accounting, and other departments to support payroll accuracy and process improvement. Physical Demands: Desk-based work with extended periods of computer use. Travel Requirements Occasional travel (up to 10%) may be required for team meetings, training sessions, or divisional coordination. Disclaimer The information in this description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Gibraltar is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and gives all applicants for employment equal consideration regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, arrest record, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, transgender status, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Upon request and consistent with applicable laws, Gibraltar will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities who need an accommodation to fully participate in the application process. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship, now or in the future. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.