Payroll Specialist - Join a Dynamic Renewable Energy Leader

Are you a detail-oriented payroll professional ready to make an impact in the booming renewable energy sector? Robert Half is excited to partner with a rapidly growing renewable energy organization in Valley Center, California, to find a skilled Payroll Specialist. This isn't your standard payroll role—it's a pivotal position supporting field crews, engineers, and corporate staff in a fast-scaling company. With multiple pay types, project-based labor distribution, and ever-evolving compliance demands, you'll be at the heart of ensuring accurate, timely payroll while helping the business expand sustainably.

Valley Center, CA, offers the perfect blend of rural charm and proximity to San Diego's innovation hub, making it an ideal spot for professionals seeking work-life balance in a thriving industry. As a Payroll Specialist, you'll partner closely with finance, operations, and project teams to maintain flawless payroll operations amid growth. If you thrive in dynamic environments and have a passion for precision, this full-time opportunity could be your next career milestone.

About the Role

In this critical Payroll Specialist position, you'll handle complex payroll processing for a diverse workforce, including union and non-union field employees, engineers on project assignments, and office-based corporate staff. The role demands expertise in allocating labor costs to specific renewable energy projects, navigating multi-state tax compliance (with a focus on California regulations), and leveraging modern payroll systems for efficiency. Expect a collaborative atmosphere where your insights drive process improvements, supporting the company's mission to lead in clean energy innovation. This position reports to the Payroll Manager and offers visibility across the organization, positioning you for advancement as the company scales.

Key Responsibilities

Your day-to-day will be hands-on and impactful. Here's what you'll tackle:

• Process multi-classification payroll: Manage bi-weekly or weekly cycles for hourly, salaried, and project-based employees using HRIS platforms like ADP Workforce Now or UKG.
• Track and allocate project labor: Integrate timekeeping data from field apps to accurately distribute costs across renewable energy projects, ensuring precise billing and profitability reporting.
• Champion compliance: Stay ahead of federal (FLSA, IRS) and state (CA DLSE, EDD) regulations, including wage garnishments, deductions, and tax filings.
• Execute reconciliations: Perform monthly payroll-to-GL reconciliations, investigate variances, and generate detailed reports for leadership.
• Support audits: Prepare documentation for internal reviews, external audits, and workers' comp verifications with meticulous accuracy.
• Maintain data integrity: Audit employee records, update systems, and resolve discrepancies to prevent errors.
• Drive improvements: Identify bottlenecks in workflows and recommend automation tools or controls to enhance efficiency.
• Collaborate cross-functionally: Partner with HR, finance, and operations to resolve payroll issues and support onboarding/offboarding.

Required Qualifications

To succeed, you'll bring:

• 3+ years of hands-on payroll processing experience, ideally in construction, energy, or field-service industries.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. payroll laws, with California-specific expertise (e.g., paid sick leave, overtime rules).
• Proficiency in payroll/HRIS software (ADP, Paychex, Ceridian, or similar) and Microsoft Excel for reporting.
• Proven skills in labor allocation, reconciliations, and audit preparation.
• Exceptional attention to detail, analytical mindset, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with employees and stakeholders.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field (preferred).
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) highly desirable.

Experience with union payrolls, certified payroll, or prevailing wage projects is a significant plus.

Why Join Us?

Robert Half places you with an innovative renewable energy firm committed to sustainability and growth. Enjoy a competitive salary of $62,400 - $93,600 annually (based on $30/hour, full-time), plus standout benefits: comprehensive medical/dental/vision coverage, 401(k) with generous matching, PTO, holidays, and tuition reimbursement for certifications. Work in a supportive, modern office in Valley Center, CA, with hybrid flexibility potential and opportunities for rapid advancement. Contribute to green energy initiatives while building a rewarding career—apply today through Robert Half and power your future!

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