Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist

Department: Human Resources

Location: Cameron Park, CA (in office, 5 day/week)

Compensation Range: $30-36 hourly non-exempt (overtime eligible)

Other Compensation: Eligible for annual performance bonus

Benefits: Comprehensive package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off and travel opportunities

The Ceres Commitment

Ceres Environmental Services is a leader in crisis management, rapid response, and disaster recovery, committed to rebuilding stronger, safer communities. Founded in 1976, Ceres has secured more than $3.4 billion in government-funded contracts, reflecting decades of trust in bringing hope during times of need.

We specialize in emergency response, environmental services, planning, and consulting, including debris removal, blue roofs, logistics, debris management, demolition, recycling, forest management, and coastal and marine restoration. As a licensed general contractor, we offer unparalleled expertise to restore stability where it’s needed most.

Driven by Purpose, Powered by People

At Ceres, we believe you’re more than just an employee; you’re part of a team with a purpose and a meaningful mission. Whether in management, field operations, or behind the scenes, every team member plays a vital role in restoring hope, helping communities recover and rebuild.

We value initiative, respect diversity, and give our people the freedom to lead. We offer competitive pay, travel opportunities, and a culture built on resilience and teamwork. If you show up with compassion, share the commitment, react with urgency, and deliver solutions, you’ll fit right in. We don’t just respond to challenges; we rise to them.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized US Payroll Specialist to join our HR/Finance team. The Payroll Specialist will be responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely processing of weekly payroll for all employees in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The ideal candidate will have experience managing US payroll systems, including California, and a strong understanding of payroll taxes, deductions, and benefits.

This position is based in our Cameron Park, CA office and requires on-site attendance five days per week. As part of supporting emergency response and operational requirements, occasional extended work hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays may be required.

What You Will Do

• Payroll Processing: Process weekly payroll for all employees, ensuring accurate calculation of wages, deductions, and benefits.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Tax Compliance: Validate and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, including withholding taxes, garnishments, and other deductions.
• Time and Attendance: Review and validate employee timecards and attendance records to ensure data accuracy prior to payroll submission.
• Reporting: Prepare, reconcile, and submit payroll-related reports, including quarterly and annual tax filings, W-2 processing, and year-end reporting requirements.
• Benefit Deductions: Administer employee benefits (health, retirement, etc.) and ensure proper contributions are reflected in payroll.
• Employee Inquiries: Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll, benefits, and tax-related matters in a timely, professional, and customer-focused manner.
• System Maintenance: Maintain payroll system integrity, perform system audits, support testing of updates and enhancements, and partner with HR and Finance on process improvements.
• Audits and Reconciliation: Reconcile payroll registers, tax liabilities, benefits deductions, and general ledger interfaces; support internal and external payroll audits.
• Confidentiality: Protect sensitive employee payroll information and uphold all data privacy and security requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Education: H.S. Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 4 years of payroll experience processing multi-state U.S. payroll, including extensive California payroll administration and Puerto Rico payroll requirements, within mid-to-large-sized organizations with both union and non-union employee populations.
• Strong working knowledge of California wage and hour laws, including meal and rest break requirements, overtime regulations, final pay requirements, and prevailing wage considerations
• Proficiency using payroll software (Paycom, ADP, Vista or similar construction ERP)
• Proficient in Word and Excel (ability to create/use pivot tables preferred)
• Strong knowledge of US federal, state, and local payroll tax laws, wage and hour laws, and benefit administration. 
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Exceptional Customer Service: Ability to serve employees in a professional and timely manner, under strict deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• AA or BS degree in Accounting, HR or related field
• Experience providing payroll support across multiple business entities
• CPP certification
• Bilingual: English and Spanish.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Problem-solving abilities and discretion when handling sensitive information 

What to Expect

As a US Payroll Specialist, you'll own the accurate and timely processing of weekly multi-state payroll, ensuring compliance with complex federal, state, local, California, and Puerto Rico payroll regulations while supporting both union and non-union employees. You'll spend your days reviewing timecards, reconciling payroll data, managing tax and benefit deductions, responding to employee inquiries, and partnering with HR and Finance to maintain payroll system accuracy and compliance. Success in this role requires exceptional attention to detail, strong customer service skills, and the ability to work independently while meeting strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment. This is a fully on-site position in Cameron Park, CA, with occasional extended hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays required to support emergency response and operational needs.

Physical Requirements and Environment  

Ceres provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants with sincerely held religious beliefs, as required by law.  If you need accommodation to perform these functions, please inform us during the application process.

Why Join Ceres?

At Ceres, you won’t just have a job, you’ll have a mission. Your work will directly impact the speed and strength of community recovery after disasters.

We offer:
 • A collaborative, mission-driven culture.
 • Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
 • The chance to make a lasting difference for communities across the U.S.

Ceres Environmental is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability status, or protected veteran status.

E-Verify: We comply with Federal law by verifying employment eligibility.