Payroll Specialist Job at Robert Half (Modesto)

Payroll Specialist

Robert Half

Location:
United States , Modesto

Category:
IT - Administration

Contract Type:
Not provided

Salary:

Not provided

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Job Description:

We are looking for a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to support accurate and compliant payroll operations for a construction organization in Modesto, California. This role is responsible for managing pay processes for both hourly and salaried employees, maintaining precise payroll records, and working closely with internal teams to address payroll matters efficiently. The ideal candidate brings strong knowledge of union payroll practices, a service-focused approach when assisting employees, and a commitment to confidentiality and deadline-driven work.

Job Responsibility:

Administer weekly payroll for union hourly staff and salaried employees, ensuring all payments are completed accurately and on schedule
Examine timesheets, punches, crew allocations, job coding, and pay-related changes, then investigate and resolve discrepancies before payroll is finalized
Maintain employee payroll information by entering and reviewing updates such as new hires, separations, pay rate revisions, deductions, garnishments, and supplemental earnings
Apply payroll rules correctly for overtime, shift premiums, paid leave, holiday compensation, retroactive pay, and other earnings in accordance with company policy and labor regulations
Reconcile payroll records, confirm ledger coding accuracy, and assist with payroll-related journal entries and reporting as needed
Coordinate union-related payroll obligations, including monthly contribution payments, annual wage updates, and interpretation of applicable labor agreements
Manage wage garnishments, tax levies, child support orders, and similar withholdings while responding to agency requests within required timeframes
Prepare payroll reports for internal stakeholders, assist with year-end activities such as W-2 review and audit support, and help improve payroll procedures through documentation and training

Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent required
an associate degree in Accounting, Business, or a related field is preferred
At least 2 years of experience processing union payroll, with additional exposure to multi-state or multi-entity payroll environments preferred
Knowledge of payroll compliance standards, including wage and hour rules, overtime requirements, and prevailing wage or certified payroll practices
Experience handling payroll for workforces of approximately 101 to 500 employees
Proficiency with payroll and construction-related systems such as Viewpoint Vista, along with strong Microsoft Excel skills
Ability to communicate professionally with employees, managers, vendors, and external agencies while protecting confidential information
Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet strict deadlines, follow documented procedures, and work additional hours during peak payroll or year-end periods

Nice to have:

associate degree in Accounting, Business, or a related field
exposure to multi-state or multi-entity payroll environments

What we offer:

medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance
401(k) plan

Additional Information:

Job Posted:
May 16, 2026

Employment Type:

Fulltime

Work Type:

On-site work

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