Human Resources Generalist - Payroll

Human Resources Generalist - Payroll

We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Human Resources Generalist with a focus on payroll to join our team. This role involves processing payroll, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, and supporting both employees and management with payroll-related inquiries.

Responsibilities

• Process biweekly and semi-monthly payroll for all employees, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Review and validate employee timecards to ensure the accuracy of hours worked, including overtime, double-time, and meal/rest breaks.
• Ensure proper processing of wage garnishments, benefit deductions, bonuses, and other earnings.
• Issue final paychecks timely and in accordance with California final pay rules and other states where operations occur.
• Ensure compliance with California wage and hour laws, including overtime, minimum wage, paid sick leave, meal and rest breaks, and wage statement requirements.
• Stay informed about changes to California labor laws and wage orders affecting payroll.
• Support Finance with compliance and reporting related to monthly, quarterly, and annual close.
• Audit payroll reports for errors, discrepancies, and compliance risks before submission.
• Maintain organized payroll records in compliance with California retention laws.
• Assist with internal and external audits by providing necessary payroll documentation.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding paychecks, deductions, and time reporting.
• Provide managers with guidance on payroll policies and California-specific requirements.
• Educate staff on payroll processes, including electronic paystubs, direct deposit, and wage statements.
• Support the HR team with employee relations investigations related to payroll and time recordkeeping issues.
• Utilize HRIS/payroll systems to process payroll efficiently.
• Partner with HR colleagues on system upgrades, process enhancements, and automation opportunities.
• Recommend improvements to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in payroll operations.
• Assist with other HR department responsibilities, such as company events and serving as a backup during HR peers' absences.

Essential Skills

• 3+ years of full-cycle payroll experience.
• Familiarity with California payroll laws and regulations.
• Experience with payroll auditing.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel (pivot tables, vlookups).
• Experience with HRIS systems, preferably ADP Workforce Now.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• CPP certification or HR certifications (SHRM, HRCI, etc.) preferred but not required.
• HR experience.
• Experience in employee relations and HR systems.

Work Environment

This position is primarily remote, with the requirement to be within driving distance of the US manufacturing facility to attend the office at least one day a week for check requests or to handle employee relations issues. The production floor has a distinct scent due to food flavor manufacturing, but time spent there is minimal. The team consists of a Director, Manager, Admin, and this role, forming a close-knit group that supports each other. The work schedule is 8 AM to 5 PM, with a hybrid model requiring flexibility for occasional in-office tasks.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Cerritos, California.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $85000.00/yr.

Medical, vision, dental, 401 K + match & generous PTO / holiday package

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Cerritos,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 2025.

About Aston Carter:

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.