ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Payroll Processing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CoreTechs Inc.

Payroll Processor

Roseville, CA · On-site

$41/hr

This role is responsible for end-to-end payroll processing for a large, complex healthcare organization. * The ideal candidate has recent experience processing payroll for organizations with 20,000 ...

New

The Payroll Factory

Payroll Team Lead

Napa, CA · On-site

The JOB We are looking for a Lead Payroll Processor to oversee our payroll team and ensure our clients receive top-notch payroll services. This role is hands-on, fast-paced, and perfect for someone ...

The Payroll Factory

Payroll Team Lead

Napa, CA · On-site

Payroll Processing - Heavy data entry and review, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. * Client Support - Troubleshoot payroll issues, resolve escalations, and work closely ...

Norm Reeves Inc

Payroll Processor

Cerritos, CA · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Assists in reconciling and processing all payroll related government and tax reporting, as well as the preparation, disbursement, and documentation of all withholdings. * Works with ADP to process ...

Norm Reeves Auto Group

Payroll Processor

Cerritos, CA · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Assists in reconciling and processing all payroll related government and tax reporting, as well as the preparation, disbursement, and documentation of all withholdings. * Works with ADP to process ...

Robert Half

Payroll Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$38 - $40/hr

The ideal candidate will have experience processing payroll in a union environment, strong Excel skills, and knowledge of California payroll regulations. Key Responsibilities: Assist with bi-weekly ...

New

Robert Half

Payroll Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

Prepare EIBs for payroll processing based on approved requests. Set up payroll for new hires, including confirming address, tax setup, and banking details, and following up directly with employees ...

New

TalentCount

Payroll Supervisor

Brea, CA · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Review and process a variety of pay structures, including commissions, bonuses, and piece-rate compensation. * Audit payroll data such as earnings, deductions, timecards, and adjustments to ensure ...

Solomon Page

Payroll Analyst

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$42 - $47/hr

The successful candidate will have payroll processing experience within a large corporation, knowledge of union payroll processing, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. * Please no ...

Global Channel Management

Temp Payroll Specialist

Cypress, CA · On-site

$25 - $34/hr

Payroll Specialist requires: * 3 years hand on experience in payroll processing and associated activities. * Degree in business related discipline (Business, Accounting, Finance, HR, etc.), or the ...

Global Channel Management

Temp Payroll Specialist

Cypress, CA · On-site

$25 - $34/hr

Payroll Specialist requires: * 3 years hand on experience in payroll processing and associated activities. * Degree in business related discipline (Business, Accounting, Finance, HR, etc.), or the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPayroll Processing JobsPayroll Processing Jobs in California

Payroll Processing information

See California salary details

$13

$24

$35

How much do payroll processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for payroll processing in California is $24.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is payroll processing?

Payroll processing is the administrative task of calculating and distributing employee wages, salaries, bonuses, and deductions for a specific pay period. This process involves gathering employee work hours, calculating gross pay, deducting taxes and benefits, and issuing paychecks or direct deposits. Payroll processing also ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws regarding wage payments and recordkeeping. Accurate payroll processing is crucial for maintaining employee satisfaction and avoiding legal penalties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a payroll processor?

To thrive as a Payroll Processor, you need strong attention to detail, proficiency in mathematics, and a solid understanding of payroll regulations, typically supported by a degree in accounting or a related field. Familiarity with payroll software such as ADP or Paychex, as well as knowledge of timekeeping and HRIS systems, is often required. Excellent organizational skills, discretion, and effective communication help manage sensitive information and resolve employee inquiries efficiently. These abilities are crucial for ensuring timely, accurate payroll processing and maintaining compliance with legal and organizational standards.

What are some common challenges faced in payroll processing, and how can they be managed effectively?

One of the most common challenges in payroll processing is ensuring accuracy and compliance with changing tax regulations and labor laws. Payroll professionals must regularly update their knowledge and systems to reflect these changes and minimize errors. Effective communication with HR and finance departments is also essential to resolve discrepancies and gather the necessary data for timely payroll runs. Utilizing reliable payroll software and maintaining thorough documentation can help manage these challenges and support a smooth payroll cycle.

How to become a payroll processing?

To become a payroll processor, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with knowledge of payroll software and payroll laws. Gaining experience in accounting or administrative roles and obtaining certifications such as the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) can improve job prospects. Strong attention to detail and proficiency with spreadsheets and payroll systems are essential skills for this role.

What do payroll processing do?

Payroll processing involves calculating employee wages, deducting taxes and other withholdings, and issuing payments through checks or direct deposit. Payroll professionals ensure compliance with tax laws and company policies, often using payroll software to manage records accurately and efficiently.

What are the most commonly searched types of Payroll Processing jobs in California?

The most popular types of Payroll Processing jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Payroll Processing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Payroll Processing job openings:

Payroll Processing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payroll Processing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,400 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Workday Payroll Processing Specialist

Ensign Services, Inc.

San Juan Capistrano, CA • On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Ensign Group rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 168 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

606th of 891 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Workday Payroll Processing Specialist
Position Type: Full Time, Employee.
Salary: $75,000 - $85,000 annually, DOE; may be eligible for bonus.
Location (Onsite): This role is onsite at our San Juan Capistrano Service Center and partial remote work is available after the first 90 days.
About the Company:
Ensign Services, Inc. ("ESI") is a subsidiary of The Ensign Group, Inc. whose affiliated entities are considered national leaders in the fast-growing post-acute care industry. ESI provides service and support to over 378 facilities in the long-term care continuum that employ over 55,000 employees.
ESI is known as the Service Center and provides the facilities and leaders it serves with back-office support in areas such as accounting, construction, compliance, human resources, information technology, learning and development, legal and risk management and recruiting. This structure allows the onsite leaders and caregivers to focus on day-to-day care and operational issues in their individual operations. What sets ESI apart from other companies is the quality of our most valuable resource - our people.
We take seriously our core values of Celebration, Accountability, Passion for Learning, Love One Another, Intelligent Risk Taking, Customer Second, and Ownership ("CAPLICO") seriously. We want an individual in this role who will demonstrate these values through actions and words.
About the Opportunity:
The Workday Payroll Processing Specialist is responsible for the timely and accurate execution, auditing, and processing of periodic payroll cycles for a complex, multi-state employee population. This role coordinates day-to-day payroll activities across the team, ensures regulatory and policy compliance, serves as a subject matter expert for end-to-end payroll processing, and partners cross-functionally to drive process improvements and support scalable payroll operations in a fast-paced service center environment. The position carries delegated administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability for assigned duties.
If you're looking to make an impact in a fast-paced, service-driven environment, apply today to join our team.
Job Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Perform on-cycle Field Operations payroll processing and post-payroll audits, including Monthly Incentive and Special Field Incentive Bonus runs.
  • Provide general payroll processing guidance to the Payroll Team and coordinate day-to-day service center payroll activities in support of operational payroll cycles and payroll policies and procedures.
  • Operate as the subject matter expert for processing issues and escalation point to resolve issues.
  • Partner with Payroll Business Systems Analysts, Payroll Market Supervisors and FSS team for resolution of more complex cases.
  • Coordinate and administer transactional payroll data inputs for each payroll cycle, including the use of EIBs to load and manage a variety of payroll transactions.
  • Perform ongoing audits of timekeeping, payroll, retro pay, PBJ, and payroll accounting data (including cost allocations and labor expense) to ensure accuracy, compliance, and proper expense reporting.
  • Produce and distribute post-payroll audit reports and provide ad hoc reporting and data as directed by the Payroll Processing Manager and Payroll Manager.
  • Assist with validation of payroll setup and coordination for newly acquired facilities.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality of all payroll information and partner with the Fraud Manager to support payroll-related investigations and controls.
  • Participate in special projects and other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma, required.
  • Minimum of 4 years of Workday Payroll experience as a Payroll Resource or Specialist, with increasing levels of responsibility; experience with a large employer preferred.
  • Hands-on Workday Payroll experience, including Payment Elections, Tax Elections, Payroll Inputs, Withholding Orders, FLSA, retro pay, pay calculations, pay completion, settlements, and post-payroll reporting.
  • Knowledge of ADP wage payment, tax, and garnishment processing preferred.
  • Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel, including EIB development and payroll data analysis.
  • Advanced Microsoft Office experience, with strong Excel skills supporting EIB development and data analysis.
  • Ability to apply structured, critical-thinking skills when analyzing payroll data.
  • Ability to review, verify, and audit payroll documents and reports for accuracy.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills to consistently meet payroll cycle deadlines.
  • Ability to plan, organize, implement, and interpret payroll programs, policies, procedures, and objectives using sound accounting principles.
  • Working knowledge of standard computer systems, data entry processes, and system outputs.
  • Ability to prepare payroll reports and records in a clear, accurate, and well-organized manner.

Additional Information:
  • Pre-employment criminal background screening required.

What We Offer:
We are committed to providing a competitive benefits and compensation package which includes medical/dental/vision coverage, company-provided life insurance, 401(k) with company match, and sick/vacation plans. Additionally, enjoy access to our fully equipped onsite gym (San Juan Capistrano office location). We also believe in supporting our employee's professional growth and development through our Learning Management System as well as training sessions and seminars. Take a look at these benefits (and more!) at www.ensignbenefits.com.
Ensign Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process, please contact us at 888-659-3616.
Job ID 1431

What Ensign Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply