Job Information
Robert Half Payroll Lead in Menlo Park, California
Description
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Payroll Operations & Processing
Lead end‑to‑end payroll processing, including review, validation, and execution of complex transactions.
Serve as the first escalation point for payroll issues and inquiries.
Act as a subject matter expert on California wage and hour laws, including overtime, premium pay, meal/rest penalties, alternative schedules, and final pay.
Partner with HR, Finance, Compliance, and Labor Relations on escalated issues and regulatory inquiries.
Serve as functional lead for payroll/timekeeping systems; support configuration validation, UAT, upgrades, and troubleshooting.
Respond to employee inquiries regarding pay, taxes, benefits, and time entry.
Lead annual escheat reporting and all year‑end tasks including W‑2 and W‑2C processing.
Document and update payroll procedures, job aids, and checklists.
Leadership & Oversight
Provide daily workflow oversight, assign work, review output for accuracy, and mentor team members.
Serve as backup for all payroll functions as needed.
Audit & Compliance
Review and approve high‑risk payroll adjustments including retro pay, manual checks, terminations, union corrections, and off‑cycle requests.
Lead payroll audits, perform reconciliations, and identify discrepancies.
Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field.
Experience: Four years of progressively responsible payroll experience. Strong background in California payroll, healthcare or union environments, and wage/tax compliance.
License/Certification: None required.
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
Ability to maintain confidentiality with sensitive information.
Strong planning, prioritization, and multitasking skills.
Ability to work effectively with all levels across the organization.
Intermediate Excel skills.
Intermediate knowledge of Workday or similar payroll systems.
Expertise in payroll practices, accounting principles, and federal/state regulations.
Strong professionalism, integrity, and judgement.
Experience meeting aggressive deadlines and making sound decisions under pressure.
Ability to define problems, collect data, analyze information, and draw conclusions.
Ability to interpret technical instructions and manage both abstract and concrete variables.
Proven ability to lead, mentor, and train others.
Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.
Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app) and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.
All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.
© 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms) and Privacy Notice (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/privacy) .