Payroll Specialist

Job Title: Payroll Specialist
Are you passionate about giving back to your community and serving the youth?
Who We Are:
In 1922, Woodcraft Rangers opened its doors in Los Angeles and began its mission of guiding young people as they explore pathways to purposeful lives. As a progressive organization, Woodcraft Rangers has always been responsive to the evolving needs of the communities served and is notably inclusive, youth-led, and rooted in the Woodcraft Way-a holistic framework that develops body, mind, spirit, and service. Continuously at the forefront of expanded learning opportunities, Woodcraft Rangers has a rich history of making a significant impact in the greater Los Angeles area. We believe that all youth are innately good, deserve the opportunity to realize their full potential, and should be active participants in defining their own path.
What We Do:
Woodcraft Rangers provides TK-12 expanded learning programs, including before and after school specialty enrichment and summer learning. In the past few years, Woodcraft Rangers has expanded its menu of services beyond traditional afterschool programs and summer camps to include early learning, environmental and social justice, college access, and inclusion services for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additionally, we offer Lifecraft, a college and career advancement program to support the development of approximately 1,000 staff. Today, Woodcraft Rangers serves more than 20,000 youth ages 4-18 annually in and from 110+ Title I schools across LA County!
Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate for the Payroll Specialist role is detail-oriented, highly organized, and possesses a deep understanding of payroll and regulations. They have experience working with payroll software, exhibit exceptional accuracy in data entry, and are adept at managing multiple deadlines. This individual has a strong grasp of payroll tax laws, compliance, and reporting requirements and is committed to maintaining confidentiality and data integrity. They are an excellent communicator, capable of addressing employee inquiries in a professional and timely manner and possess strong problem-solving skills to resolve payroll discrepancies efficiently. A proactive learner, the ideal candidate stays-up-to-date with industry best practices, legal requirements and technological advancement in payroll processing.
Why Work for Woodcraft Rangers:

• Paid vacation
• Sick time
• Health Benefits
• 403(b) retirement
• Pet insurance
• Lifecraft
• Upward mobility
• Career development

Role Overview:
The Payroll Specialist is responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely processing of the payroll for all employees. This role involves managing payroll data, verifying timekeeping records, calculating wages, processing deductions, and ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll regulations. The Payroll Specialist will also resolve any payroll discrepancies and provide support for employee inquiries related to payroll.
As part of the HR team, the Payroll Specialist will report to the Payroll and Benefits Director and work closely with cross-departments to maintain accurate employee records, ensure compliance with company policies, and facilitate smooth payroll operations. This role requires meticulous attention to detail, confidentiality, and a solid understanding of payroll and legal requirements.
Responsibilities:
Payroll Processing and Administration:

• Proficiency in processing payroll using ADP Workforce Now software system.
• Process payrolls for all employees on a semi-monthly calendar, ensuring accurate calculations and distribution of employee wages.
• Calculate and process wage adjustments, bonuses, and overtime pay.
• Ensure compliance with all payroll-related regulations and company policies including applicable state and federal laws and regulations, with a focus on California-specific requirements.
• Ensure payroll is processed on time and in compliance with company policies and regulations. Review ADP Time and Attendance and resolve any payroll discrepancies.
• Maintain payroll records, including tax documents, garnishments, payroll adjustments, and direct deposit information.
• Develop and implement strategies for efficient payroll management.

Compliance and Reporting:

• Awareness of labor laws, including FLSA, IRS regulations, and other state/federal guideline requirements related to payroll processing.
• Assist with year-end process, including W-2 forms, and other payroll related tax documents.
• Stay updated on payroll legislations and ensure policies are in alignment with current regulations.
• Reconcile payroll records, and tax withholdings.
• Perform regular audits of payroll data to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Employee Communication and Support:

• Serve as the point of contact for payroll inquiries from employees and resolve payroll discrepancies promptly.
• Assist with conducting employee training on payroll policies as needed.
• Collaborate with HR, finance, and other departments to ensure data integrity and compliance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field required.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive experience in payroll.
• Strong attention to detail, administrative, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, for reporting and payroll data management.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to liaise with employees and management.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• A team player with a collaborative approach to working with HR, finance, and other departments.
• ADP Workforce Now experience highly recommended.
• FBI & DOJ Livescan clearance
• TB Test clearance
• Ability to use smart phone for work related business (WR provides Wi-Fi/cell stipend)

Skills:

• Able to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Innovative mindset, always eager to bring new ideas and creative solutions to challenges.
• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness in all aspects of work.
• Strong self-motivation and self-learning abilities.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment.
• Strong multitasking skills with a focus on managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Consistent display of poise and professionalism in all situations.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and move, or feel and use a computer and/or laptop. The employee is required to speak, hear, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential duties.
Work Environment and Schedule:
We are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and will actively consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals to effectively perform their roles. This position operates in environments typical of the following key aspects:

• Regular working hours are from Monday to Friday, with occasional weekends and evenings required for events, training, or conferences.
• Optional weekly work-from-home opportunities.
• Travel is necessary to various regions where Woodcraft Rangers programs are implemented, including San Fernando Valley, South Los Angeles, West Los Angeles, San Gabriel Valley, Southeast LA, and Downtown areas, to support or deliver in-person training.
• Regular exposure to computer monitors during work.
• The typical noise level of a standard work environment.
• Stable internet access is required for effective work-from-home performance.

Status: Full Time
Salary Range: $30.00 - $45.00 per hour
Woodcraft Rangers provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without discrimination with regard to race, religious belief, color, sex, sex stereotype, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions (including breast feeding), age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identification and expression, transgender status, transitioning status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, genetic information, family care, marital status, enrollment in any public assistance program, status as military, a veteran or qualified disabled veteran, status as an unpaid intern or volunteer, or any other classification protected by law. We also prohibit discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.