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Payroll Specialist Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

ROARK

Payroll Specialist

Ontario, CA

$23.50 - $32/hr

Payroll Specialist - Union Payroll Build Your Career with a Company That Values Payroll Expertise Our client, a well-established and growing construction company in Ontario, California is looking for ...

ROARK

Payroll Specialist

Ontario, CA · On-site

$23.50 - $32/hr

Payroll Specialist - Union Payroll Build Your Career with a Company That Values Payroll Expertise Our client, a well-established and growing construction company in Ontario, California is looking for ...

Astrix Inc

Payroll Specialist

Orange, CA · On-site

$25 - $34.25/hr

Payroll Specialist Location: Tustin, CA (Hybrid - 2-3 days onsite per week) Employment Type: Direct Hire Salary: $85,000-$95,000 annually (Plus 5% bonus) The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the ...

Addison Group

Payroll Specialist

Yorba Linda, CA · On-site

$30 - $32/hr

Payroll Specialist Location: Yorba Linda, California (On-Site) Assignment Type: Temporary (6-8 months, maternity leave coverage) Compensation: $30.00 - $32.00 per hour Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9 ...

SCR Law, APLC

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Payroll Specialist

Ontario, CA · On-site

$24 - $31/hr

Workers' Compensation Defense Law Firm looking for a Payroll Specialist. This is a hybrid position. Part time/Full time. Pay depends on experience. Under general supervision, perform specialized ...

New

Addison Group

Payroll Specialist

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

Payroll Specialist Location: Anaheim, CA (On-site) Assignment Type: Temp-to-Permanent Compensation: $30 - $36 / hour Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Benefits: This position is ...

Addison Group

Payroll Specialist

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

Payroll Specialist Location: Anaheim, CA (On-site) Assignment Type: Temp-to-Permanent Compensation: $30 - $36 / hour Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Benefits: This position is ...

Pathway Group

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Payroll Specialist

Yorba Linda, CA · On-site

CA$27 - CA$32/hr

Your Role As a payroll specialist, you will contribute to the company's success by ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll for employees. What You'll Do: * Process high-volume payroll ...

Tiello

Payroll Specialist

Chino, CA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Payroll Specialist Location: Chino, CA (On-Site) Pay Range: $55,000 - $65,000 Benefits: * Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life benefits * 401K with company contributions * Paid holidays ...

VOLT

Payroll Specialist

Riverside, CA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

As a Payroll Specialist you will: * Day to Day Responsibilities * Answer employee questions, monitor task progress, and verify completion of payroll related activities. * Processweekly payroll for ...

Johnson Service Group

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Payroll Specialist (Hybrid)

Irvine, CA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Payroll Specialist (Hybrid) | Irvine, CA | Non-Exempt) Overview Join the Human Resources team and play a pivotal role in delivering accurate, compliant, and on-time payroll for approximately 450 ...

AppleOne

Payroll Specialist

Anaheim, CA

$28/hr

We are seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist . This role is ideal for a payroll professional with experience processing payroll, reviewing time records, ensuring payroll accuracy, and ...

Aquasure

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Payroll Specialist

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$28 - $31/hr

Position Summary The Payroll Specialist is responsible for full-cycle payroll functions across 3-4 separate internal organizations including but not limited to, timesheet reviews & posting ...

Robinson Pharma, Inc

Payroll Specialist

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$28 - $34/hr

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Payroll Specialist to manage and process payroll operations using ADP Workforce Now. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll ...

Ttmtech

Payroll Specialist

Santa Ana, CA

$24.50 - $33.25/hr

Additional information can be found at www.ttm.com About the Role We are seeking a motivated and detail-driven Payroll Specialist to join our myHR Services team. This is an excellent opportunity for ...

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All JobsPayroll Specialist JobsPayroll Specialist Jobs in Riverside, CA

Payroll Specialist information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$15

$28

$40

How much do payroll specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for payroll specialist in Riverside, CA is $28.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.56 and $32.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a payroll specialist?

Payroll Specialists are professionals responsible for processing employee paychecks, managing payroll records, and ensuring compliance with tax laws and company policies. They handle tasks such as calculating wages, withholding taxes, and distributing payments. Payroll Specialists also resolve discrepancies, answer employee questions about pay, and prepare reports for management. Their role is crucial for maintaining accurate and timely compensation for employees.

What does a payroll specialist do?

A payroll specialist is a member of a company’s accounting team and is the person responsible for ensuring all employees are paid what they are owed. Payroll specialists must be organized and efficient. They keep track of employee wages, work hours, vacation time, and other data using accounting software. Depending on the size of the company, they may also be responsible for preparing tax records and presenting end-of-year financial information.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a payroll specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Payroll Specialist, you need a strong understanding of payroll processes, tax regulations, and accounting principles, typically supported by a degree in accounting or finance. Familiarity with payroll software such as ADP, Paychex, or QuickBooks, and often certification like the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC), is highly valued. Exceptional attention to detail, confidentiality, and strong interpersonal skills help ensure accurate payroll processing and effective communication with employees. These competencies are crucial for maintaining compliance, minimizing errors, and fostering trust within an organization.

What are some common challenges payroll specialists face and how can they effectively address them?

Payroll Specialists often encounter challenges such as ensuring accuracy with complex wage calculations, keeping up with changing tax laws, and meeting tight payroll deadlines. To address these issues, it’s important to stay current with regulatory changes through ongoing training and to use reliable payroll software that automates calculations and compliance checks. Strong attention to detail, effective time management, and open communication with HR and finance teams also help prevent errors and ensure smooth payroll processing.

What is the difference between Payroll Specialist vs Payroll Clerk?

AspectPayroll SpecialistPayroll Clerk
CredentialsTypically requires payroll or accounting certifications, some college educationHigh school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, often part of HR or finance teamsOffice environment, administrative support role
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries for payroll processing and complianceCommon in small to medium businesses for payroll data entry
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for payroll processing roles with more responsibilitiesCompared for entry-level payroll support roles

The Payroll Specialist typically handles complex payroll processing, compliance, and reporting, requiring specific certifications and experience. In contrast, the Payroll Clerk focuses on data entry and administrative tasks related to payroll. Both roles are essential in payroll operations but differ in scope and responsibilities.

Is being a payroll specialist worth it?

A payroll specialist manages employee compensation, tax deductions, and compliance with labor laws, often using payroll software and maintaining accuracy under tight deadlines. The role offers steady employment, opportunities for certification, and skills in finance and administration, making it a valuable career for those interested in HR and finance functions.

What degree does a payroll specialist need?

A payroll specialist typically needs at least a high school diploma or equivalent; however, many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of payroll software and understanding of tax laws and regulations, which can be gained through certifications or on-the-job training.
More about Payroll Specialist jobs

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The most popular types of Payroll Specialist jobs in Riverside, CA are:

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For Payroll Specialist jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Payroll Specialist jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Payroll Specialist jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Payroll Specialist job openings:

Payroll Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payroll Specialist job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,448 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Payroll Specialist

ROARK

Ontario, CA

$23.50 - $32/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Payroll Specialist – Union Payroll

Build Your Career with a Company That Values Payroll Expertise

Our client, a well-established and growing construction company in Ontario, California is looking for an experienced Payroll Specialist who thrives in a fast-paced construction environment.

If you're an expert in union payroll, certified payroll (preferred), and in-house payroll processing, this is an opportunity to join a stable organization where your expertise is valued and your work directly supports successful construction operations.

What You'll Be Doing

As the Payroll Specialist, you'll take ownership of the company's payroll process, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time while maintaining compliance with union agreements and prevailing wage requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Process weekly in-house payroll for field and office employees.
  • Prepare and submit certified payroll reports for public works projects.
  • Process union payroll while ensuring compliance with multiple collective bargaining agreements.
  • Calculate wages, fringe benefits, deductions, overtime, and union contributions.
  • Maintain payroll records and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Prepare payroll tax reports and assist with payroll audits.
  • Coordinate new hires, terminations, garnishments, and employee payroll changes.
  • Reconcile payroll-related accounts and support month-end close activities.
  • Respond to employee payroll questions and resolve discrepancies promptly.
  • Work closely with Accounting, HR, and Project Management to ensure payroll accuracy.

What We're Looking For

  • 3+ years of payroll experience in the construction industry.
  • Experience processing union payroll is required.
  • Experience preparing certified payroll reports is preferred.
  • Experience managing in-house payroll from start to finish is required.
  • Strong understanding of prevailing wage laws and collective bargaining agreements.
  • Knowledge of California payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements.
  • Experience with Sage 300 CRE is highly preferred.
  • Exceptional attention to detail with strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality while managing multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

  • Take ownership of a critical business function.
  • Collaborative, team-oriented environment.
  • Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.

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