Payroll Specialist

Job Title:                Payroll Specialist

Classification:       Full-Time, Exempt, At-Will

Reports to:            Payroll Manager

Department:          Finance

Location:               Onsite: South San Francisco, CA. Work will be primarily performed onsite in our office at South San Francisco. Remote/Hybrid work schedule may be available following your introductory period based on scheduling needs and manager approval. Occasional travel to and work from other Race offices or other off-site locations will be required.

Location Status:       

About Us:

Race Communications is one of California’s leading telecommunications and fiber technology companies, offering a full range of communications services and competing in over 25 markets with investments totaling $150M in recent years. 

Working in partnership with several public and private entities, Race focuses its efforts on building top-tier networks that service small businesses and Fortune 500 companies alike.  

Our comprehensive network has brought significant improvements to local entities, education, community services, and public safety across the state. 

In today's connected world, reliable, high-speed internet is an absolute necessity, and it is our company's mission to provide advanced communications at an affordable price. Race focuses its efforts towards building world-class fiber networks and offering gigabit internet service to communities throughout California. 

Summary:

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for managing and processing payroll accurately and in a timely manner. This position plays a crucial role in ensuring employees are compensated correctly and that payroll-related compliance requirements are met. In this role, you will apply substantial independent judgment, problem-solving abilities, creativity, and discretion to autonomously develop and manage payroll processes for all employees, ensuring precise and punctual compensation disbursement.

Qualifications and Experience: 

• Eligibility for US Employment without sponsorship
• Minimum of 18 years of age
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred 
• Associate degree (A.A.) or equivalent education in a related field of study is preferred

• 3 years of experience in payroll processing or a similar role
• Proficiency with payroll software and systems ADP TotalSource and WorkForceNow
• Comprehensive understanding of tax regulations and compliance standards pertaining to payroll
• Ability to occasionally work non-standard hours as required by business needs

Skills:

• Proficient use of MS Office applications including Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; teleconferencing applications
• Functional use of common office equipment, computers, and office software
• Strong time management skills, with the ability to manage priorities and workflow
• Commitment to accuracy and high standards for quality of work
• Ability to work with all levels of team members and management
• Excellent problem resolution and customer service skills
• Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of individuals at all organizational levels
• Strong organizational skills that reflect ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work on complex projects with general direction and minimal guidance

• Versatility, flexibility, and willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with a sense of urgency
• Good judgement with the ability to make timely and sound decisions
• Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Payroll Processing:

• Precisely computes and manages employee salaries, wages, overtime, bonuses, commissions, and deductions
• Validates timesheets, attendance records, and other pertinent data for precision
• Executes payroll processing efficiently through ADP TotalSource
• Ensures timely distribution of paychecks and facilitates direct deposits as necessary

Data Management:

• Maintains and continually updates employee payroll records, encompassing changes in personal information, tax withholding, and direct deposit particulars
• Guarantees the integrity and precision of employee data within ADP TotalSource
• Prepares and meticulously maintains comprehensive payroll reports and records using ADP TotalSource

Compliance:

• Upholds strict adherence to federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations
• Prepares and submits payroll tax reports, encompassing W-2, in strict accordance with legal mandates
• Responsively addresses and resolves inquiries and audit requests related to payroll

Benefits Administration:

• Manages employee benefits linked to payroll, including health insurance, retirement plans, and flexible spending accounts
• Performs reconciliation of 401(k) accounts and benefit invoices to ensure accuracy and compliance with established financial records

Customer Service:

• Provides expert assistance to employees with inquiries pertaining to payroll, deductions, and tax matters
• Delivers prompt, accurate responses to address employee questions and concerns

Process Enhancement:

• Identifies opportunities for streamlining processes to augment payroll efficiency and precision
• Stays well-informed about emerging trends and best practices within the payroll industry

Other duties as necessary may include but are not limited to:

• Collaborates with cross-functional teams within the organization to support Finance initiatives

• Successfully completes assigned training and examinations, as well as participate in ongoing performance and development reviews, and goal setting
• Be available to participate in internal or external meetings, special functions, and professional development opportunities
• Cross-trains and shares knowledge with other team members
• Supports routine tasks
• Maintains a professional appearance, hygiene, and demeanor
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management

As part of our team, you'll enjoy:

• 100% premium paid for medical, dental, vision and life for all our employees!
• An excellent 401 (k) with 100% Employer-matched up to 4%
• Working to bridge the digital divide between rural and urban areas, providing much needed services to those who don't have access to reliable internet
• Working for a company that appreciates their employees; every member of the Race team is a part of a collaborative family

All offers of employment are contingent until all pre-employment requirements are met. These requirements, which vary by position, may include drug and background screenings as well as Motor Vehicle and DOT related screening and reporting requirements. Race will consider qualified job applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.

All new employees will participate in the mandatory 'Speedway to Success' (Speedway) orientation at one our offices located in either Tehachapi, CA, Yuba City, CA, or South San Francisco, CA. The duration of the Speedway program spans from 1-3 weeks, depending on the position. During Speedway the schedule will vary: 8-hour days are planned, but shorter days may occur depending on the group’s pace. Applicants further than 50 miles from these training locations will be provided with necessary travel accommodations as part of the onboarding process. Applicants 50 miles or less from these locations will be considered regular commute. For those working remotely, virtual attendance will depend on position requirements. Further details will be provided to you during the interview process, and before your start date.

Race Communications is an equal opportunity employer who welcomes applications from individuals with the skills, experience, and dedication to excel in their roles without regard to race, religion, color, sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sex stereotype, gender identity/gender expression and sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information/characteristics, marital status/registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision-making, military or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.

Reasonable accommodation(s) for qualified individuals with disabilities are available as part of the application and interview processes. If accommodations are needed during the application or interview process, or workplace accommodations are required after a job offer is made, please email hr@race to initiate the interactive process.

 Updated 01/2024