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Remote Payroll Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Payroll Manager

Culver City, CA · On-site +1

$120K - $130K/yr

Paid time off, flexible schedule, and remote work choices provided Plus, we work to maintain the ... To thrive/succeed as the Payroll Manager, you should have: * Bachelor's degree in Accounting ...

Payroll Analyst

Hawthorne, CA · On-site +1

$85K - $120K/yr

This position is based in Hawthorne, CA, and requires being onsite - remote/hybrid will not be considered COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay range: Payroll Analyst: $85,000.00 - $120,000.00/per year Your ...

Payroll Resource

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$20 - $30/hr

PAYROLL RESOURCE Position Type: Full Time, Employee. Compensation Range: $20.00 - $30.00 hourly ... Location (Remote): We are seeking candidates based in California to support our Flagstone Market ...

Payroll Specialist

Fremont, CA · On-site +1

$70K - $80K/yr

The Payroll Specialist will provide accurate and timely responses to inquiries by employees ... Hybrid: 3 days onsite / 2 days remote per week * Office environment requiring extended computer use

What you'll do: Payroll Administration * Oversee global payroll, including US and Canada semi ... Salary range (United States): $135,000 - $175,000 (USD) #LI-Remote

Experience managing international payroll through EOR providers such as Deel, Remote, Velocity Global, or Papaya Global. * Experience preparing or coordinating Form 5500 filings and supporting ...

San Jose, CA or Remote (PST preferred) Annual Salary: USD 145,000 - USD 185,000 Type: Full-Time Reporting to: Director, Finance and Operations The Role We are seeking a Global Payroll Manager to join ...

If you're located beyond that distance, the role is fully remote. For location-specific details ... Reconcile payroll data between Workday HRIS and ADP WFN, ensuring accuracy of earnings, deductions ...

Remote work--- must work PST Timings Duration: 12 months Work status: USC, GC only, Pay Rate: $60 on W2 (Without Benefits) An International Payroll Senior Manager is a high-level strategic leader ...

Partially Remote * An annual employee bonus program * Robust Wellness Program * Generous paid-time-off (PTO) * Eleven paid holidays per year, plus 1 floating holiday, plus 1 birthday holiday

Remote Salary: INR 75/hr.+ Travel expenses Duration: 12 Months NOTE: Must have experience in SAP ... payroll functionality is fully compliant with Indian Taxation LawsStrong verbal and written ...

Payroll/HRIS Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$75K - $95K/yr

You'll own the end-to-end payroll cycle across multiple states and serve as the go-to expert for ... Remote Work * Paid Parental Leave Responsibilities and tasks outlined in this document are not ...

Human Resources - Payroll Professional

Fairfield, CA · Remote

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

This is primarily a remote position but you will occasionally be required onsite at our East Bay offices, generally a portion of a couple days a week. Duties: Payroll and expense reimbursement ...

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Remote Payroll information

See California salary details

$14

$27

$38

How much do remote payroll jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote payroll in California is $27.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.31 and $30.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are Remote Payroll Jobs?

Remote payroll jobs focus on providing payroll services for employees of a business or organization. Your duties as a remote payroll manager include checking timekeeping related to employee work hours, calculating commissions, collect benefits payments and additional payment variables, and issuing checks to employees. In a large business, a payroll manager oversees a payroll processor, whose responsibilities include working to process and issue checks after taking steps to collect benefit payments, tax withholdings, and other dues. A payroll processor or payroll manager can work for one employer or multiple employers on a contract basis.

How does working as a remote payroll specialist impact collaboration with HR and finance teams?

As a remote payroll specialist, you'll rely heavily on digital communication tools to coordinate with HR and finance departments. Regular virtual meetings, organized workflows, and secure document sharing platforms are essential for ensuring payroll accuracy and timely processing. While you may not have face-to-face interactions, maintaining clear, proactive communication and establishing strong relationships with team members is crucial for resolving discrepancies and staying updated on policy changes. Many organizations provide comprehensive training and technology support to help remote payroll professionals stay connected and effective.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Remote Payroll Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Payroll Specialist, you need a solid understanding of payroll processes, tax regulations, and compliance standards, typically supported by a degree in accounting or related field and relevant payroll certifications. Familiarity with payroll software (such as ADP, Paychex, or QuickBooks), time-tracking systems, and secure data management tools is essential. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective remote communication make someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, compliance with legal requirements, and seamless collaboration in a distributed work environment.

What is a Remote Payroll job?

A Remote Payroll job involves managing payroll tasks, such as processing employee salaries, handling tax deductions, and ensuring compliance with labor laws, all while working remotely. These professionals use specialized software to calculate wages, distribute paychecks, and maintain accurate records. Remote Payroll specialists often communicate with HR and accounting teams through digital platforms to resolve issues and answer employee questions. This role requires strong attention to detail, knowledge of payroll software, and an understanding of relevant regulations.

What is the difference between Remote Payroll vs Remote Bookkeeper?

AspectRemote PayrollRemote Bookkeeper
CredentialsPayroll certifications, HR knowledgeBookkeeping certifications, accounting skills
Work EnvironmentPayroll processing, HR systemsFinancial record keeping, accounting software
Industry UsageHR, finance, payroll servicesAccounting firms, small businesses
Search IntentPayroll management, employee compensationFinancial record keeping, ledger management

Remote Payroll professionals focus on processing employee payments, managing tax compliance, and handling payroll systems. Remote Bookkeepers primarily maintain financial records, reconcile accounts, and support accounting functions. While both roles involve financial data, Remote Payroll emphasizes employee compensation and HR integration, whereas Remote Bookkeeping centers on accurate financial record management.

What are the most commonly searched types of Payroll jobs in California? The most popular types of Payroll jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Remote Payroll jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Payroll jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Remote Payroll jobs? Cities in California with the most Remote Payroll job openings:
Infographic showing various Remote Payroll job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,236 per year, or $27 per hour.

Payroll & HR Specialist (100% Remote)

Shades of Grey HR

Los Angeles, CA • Remote

$25 - $30/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Job Title: Payroll & HR Specialist
Company: Shades of Grey HR
Location: 100% Remote (U.S.-Based)
Employment Type: Full-Time, Hourly
Reports To: CEO
Travel: No routine travel required... unless we have a company partay(!)
Compensation: Starting at $25.00-$30.00/hour, depending on experience, with opportunities for growth
Benefits:
  • 100% Remote Work
  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Support for Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) Certification
  • Collaborative and Supportive Team Environment
Before You Apply, Let’s Be Honest (for real).

Skills can be taught. Systems can be learned. What is much harder to teach is accountability, communication, curiosity, and the ability to receive feedback without treating it like a personal attack.
This probably isn’t the right role for you if you:
  • Need someone checking in constantly to make sure you’re working.
  • Think “fully remote” means “occasionally available.”
  • Say, “That’s not my job,” when something falls outside your usual responsibilities.
  • Miss deadlines and hope no one notices.
  • Prefer guessing instead of asking questions.
  • Struggle with change, shifting priorities, or learning new systems.
  • Believe accuracy is more of a suggestion than a requirement.
  • Have a hard time taking ownership when you make a mistake.
  • Make excuses, shift blame, or focus on defending yourself instead of fixing the issue.
  • Get defensive when someone gives you constructive feedback.
  • View coaching or feedback about improvement as a personal attack.
  • Aren’t willing to adjust, improve, and learn from what didn’t go well.
  • Want to perform the exact same tasks every day without new clients, systems, or challenges.
We’re all human, and mistakes happen. We don’t expect perfection.

We do expect honesty, ownership, communication, and a willingness to learn. When something goes wrong, we focus on fixing it, understanding what happened, and making sure we’re better prepared the next time.

We’re flexible, supportive, and committed to helping our team grow. We don’t micromanage adults. We also don’t want to have to.

Still reading? Good. You may be exactly who we’re looking for.

Job Summary

The Payroll & HR Specialist is responsible for processing accurate and timely payroll for multiple clients while providing HR consulting support across a variety of industries. This role combines payroll administration with general HR responsibilities, including onboarding, benefits administration, compliance, HRIS support, recruiting assistance, and employee relations. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, adaptable, and thrives in a fully remote environment while managing multiple priorities and client relationships.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Process payroll accurately and on time for multiple clients.
  • Process regular and off-cycle payrolls.
  • Review payroll reports for accuracy prior to processing.
  • Process bonuses, commissions, reimbursements, garnishments, and payroll adjustments.
  • Assist with payroll reconciliations and year-end payroll activities.
  • Research and resolve payroll questions and discrepancies.
  • Maintain accurate payroll records and documentation.
  • Educate and support clients regarding payroll processes and best practices.
  • Stay current on payroll laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.
  • Support employee onboarding and offboarding.
  • Assist with benefits administration.
  • Support leave administration.
  • Update HR policies and employee handbooks.
  • Conduct HR compliance research.
  • Assist with HRIS implementations and system support.
  • Provide recruiting support as needed.
  • Process employment verification requests.
  • Assist with employee relations matters.
  • Support general HR consulting initiatives and special client projects.
  • Prioritize multiple deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
  • Maintain confidentiality of sensitive payroll and employee information.
  • Communicate professionally with clients and internal team members.

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum of 3 years of payroll experience.
  • Experience using one or more payroll systems.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent customer service skills.
  • Ability to work independently in a fully remote environment.
  • High level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.
  • Willingness to support HR responsibilities outside of payroll.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn.
  • Ability to adapt to changing priorities and new systems.
  • Takes ownership of work and accepts constructive feedback professionally.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience processing multi-state payroll.
  • Experience with Gusto, ADP, Paychex, Paylocity, Paycom, or similar payroll platforms.
  • Previous HR experience.
  • Interest in expanding HR consulting knowledge.
  • Experience working directly with clients.
  • Experience in a professional services or consulting environment.
  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification preferred.
  • Willingness to obtain CPP certification after hire if not currently certified.

EEO Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.