Senior Payroll Specialist

Skillcloud HCM Solutions / Senior Payroll Specialist / San Diego, CA

Skillcloud HCM Solutions is an HR Managed Services company that helps organizations manage their people operations with confidence, flexibility, and accountability.

Due to new growth and expansion we have an exciting opportunity available for a Senior Payroll Specialist to work in the San Diego, CA location.

Skillcloud HCM supports HR, payroll, compliance, and workforce operations through a mix of managed services, interim support, and project‑based engagements. From day‑to‑day execution to moments of transition or transformation, Skillcloud acts as an extension of the team to keep people operations running smoothly. Partnership is central to how we deliver value.

The Senior Payroll Specialist supports accurate, compliant, and timely payroll delivery for clients by handling more complex payroll scenarios and serving as a knowledgeable resource for the payroll team. This role builds on the Payroll Specialist position by managing higher‑complexity payroll work, assisting with audits and reconciliations, and supporting issue resolution and quality review. The Senior Payroll Specialist partners closely with Payroll Client Managers and internal teams to ensure consistent payroll execution and strong client outcomes.

• Client Support & Communication
  Provide advanced payroll support to clients by responding to payroll inquiries, explaining payroll results, and assisting with issue resolution in coordination with Payroll Client Managers.
• Payroll Processing & Review
  Process and support complex payrolls, including multi‑state, off‑cycle, and adjusted payrolls. Review payroll data for accuracy, completeness, and compliance prior to submission.
• Payroll Issue Resolution
  Research and resolve more complex payroll discrepancies, historical adjustments, and corrections. Escalate higher‑risk issues as appropriate and support root‑cause analysis.
• Compliance Support & Auditing
  Assist with payroll audits, register reviews, and compliance checks to ensure adherence to federal, state, and local payroll regulations. Support implementation of regulatory updates.
• Payroll Tax & Reporting Support
  Support quarterly and year‑end payroll activities, including W‑2s, 1099s, amended filings, and agency correspondence, under the direction of payroll leadership.
• Data Integrity & System Support
  Maintain accurate payroll system data, including earnings, deductions, tax configurations, and employee records. Assist with testing and validation related to system updates or integrations.
• Benefits & Deductions Administration
  Support administration and reconciliation of payroll deductions, including garnishments, retirement contributions, and benefit premiums.
• Reporting & Analysis
  Generate and review payroll reports to identify discrepancies, trends, or issues. Assist in preparing client‑requested and internal payroll reports.
• Team Support & Knowledge Sharing
  Serve as a peer resource for Payroll Specialists by answering questions, sharing best practices, and supporting consistent payroll processes.
• Process Improvement
  Contribute to payroll process improvements, documentation updates, and quality controls to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Internal Collaboration
  Work closely with Payroll Client Managers, HCM, HR, and Data Services teams to support integrated client service delivery.

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field preferred

3–6 years of payroll processing or payroll administration experience

Strong working knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements

Experience supporting multi‑state payrolls and complex payroll scenarios

Experience with payroll systems and HCM/HRIS platforms

High attention to detail with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills

Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

Strong communication skills and collaborative work style

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel

Payroll certifications (e.g., FPC or CPP) a plus