Senior Payroll Specialist (Contract)

San Diego, CA - Hybrid
Finance & Accounting
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Who We Are

At Platform Science, we’re working to connect everything that moves.

Founded in 2015, we are an open IoT platform that partners with innovative fleets, application developers, vehicle manufacturers, and equipment providers in the transportation industry to deliver revolutionary solutions to supply chain professionals across the globe.

Our employees are an engaging, diverse group of people who believe in the power of great ideas. We hire people with different experiences and perspectives to build a company culture that fuels growth through innovation.

We value thoughtful actions and empathy for others.  We approach challenges with resiliency and creativity, while encouraging transparency because, no matter our backgrounds or responsibilities, we are one team.

About the Role

At Platform Science, we’re transforming transportation technology by connecting vehicles, drivers, and data in ways that unlock new efficiencies and safety across fleets. Our connected vehicle platform powers innovation for enterprise customers around the world — and behind the technology is a team of passionate people dedicated to making a measurable impact.

We’re looking for a Senior Payroll Specialist who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and cares deeply about accuracy, integrity, and the employee experience. If you’re energized by solving complex payroll challenges and supporting employees during critical life moments, this is the role for you.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own end-to-end processing of bi-weekly and semi-monthly payrolls in ADP Workforce Now, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness across all U.S. entities.
  • Validate and reconcile time, earnings, deductions, benefits, and tax data to ensure payroll integrity.
  • Maintain employee data in ADP, including new hires, terminations, compensation changes, and tax setups.
  • Collaborate with People Operations, Accounting, and Finance to ensure payroll accuracy, compliance, and proper GL integration.
  • Prepare and reconcile payroll-related journal entries, support month-end close, and assist with payroll variance analysis.
  • Manage reporting and compliance requirements, including wage and hour laws, tax filings, and annual W-2 issuance.
  • Support internal and external audits by providing accurate documentation and reconciliations.
  • Partner with the People Operations team to process payroll accurately for employees on leaves of absence, ensuring compliance with company policies and applicable leave laws.
  • Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance payroll accuracy and efficiency.
  • Stay current on federal, state, and local payroll regulations and trends.

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field preferred.
  • 5+ years of hands-on payroll experience, including multi-state processing and payroll accounting.
  • Advanced knowledge of ADP Workforce Now required; experience integrating payroll data with financial systems preferred.
  • Demonstrated understanding of payroll tax, wage & hour laws, and compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
  • Proven ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Intermediate Excel proficiency.
  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) credential a plus.

The estimated hourly rate for this role is between $43.69 and $65.05. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target range for new hire base salaries across all US locations. Compensation packages are based on many factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, work experience, relevant trainings and certifications, business needs, market demands and specific geographical location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits.

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Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

At this time we only consider candidates in these states: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, IL, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NH, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, and WI. In the future we plan to add more states.

Beware job scams! Our recruiters use @platformscience.com emails only. We don’t interview via text/message. We don't ask for software downloads (except Zoom) or sensitive info (like SSN/bank). Suspect fraud? Report it to law enforcement & peopleexp@platformscience.com.