Senior Payroll Coordinator
San Rafael, California | Contract | $36.00 - $41.00
February 19, 2026 | Job ID: 2189181
Job Summary
Senior Payroll Coordinator
San Rafael, CA - Onsite
You are a Senior Payroll Coordinator who plays a critical role in ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing across multiple employer entities. This senior-level position serves as a subject matter expert in multi-state and multi-union payroll, independently managing full-cycle payroll operations while resolving complex issues, strengthening internal controls, and driving continuous improvement.
This position pays: $36.00 to $41.00 per hour
What you will be doing:
- Independently execute full-cycle payroll processing, auditing, reconciliation, and distribution using integrated HRIS/payroll systems
- Interpret and apply federal and state payroll tax laws, collective bargaining agreements, and corporate policies with accuracy and consistency
- Conduct routine and advanced audits of wages, taxes, benefits, accruals, and reporting outputs to ensure data integrity
- Coordinate wage garnishments, union dues, benefit trust payments, retirement remittances, and statutory reporting requirements
- Resolve routine, complex, and escalated payroll issues with professionalism and urgency
- Provide guidance to employees and managers on time reporting, payroll self-service tools, pay statements, and tax documentation
- Deliver training on payroll systems, processes, and best practices to employees and departmental staff
- Maintain accurate, audit-ready payroll records and documentation (electronic and physical)
- Prepare payroll metrics, reports, analysis, and research to support leadership decision-making
- Review and enhance payroll processes to improve efficiency, accuracy, and compliance controls
- Create, test, and maintain detailed work instructions aligned with Quality System standards
- Support audits, special projects, data requests, and cross-functional initiatives
What you bring:
- High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree in Business, Finance, or Accounting preferred
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or equivalent certification preferred
- 3+ years of recent payroll processing experience in multi-state and/or union environments
- Strong experience handling payroll audits, analytics, and complex payroll scenarios
- Hands-on experience with UKG/UltiPro and/or ADP Workforce Now and Kronos Workforce Ready strongly preferred
- Advanced Excel skills; intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook
- Deep knowledge of payroll concepts, wage and tax laws, and audit practices
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to trace, validate, and reconstruct transactions
- Ability to work independently while managing competing deadlines and strict payroll cycles
- Clear and professional communicator with employees, managers, and external partners
- Demonstrated integrity and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information
- Commitment to excellence, innovation, teamwork, honesty, and integrity
To learn more about the workplace culture and the position, please apply!
For over 50 years, Nelson Connects has empowered employers and job seekers to achieve their unique versions of success. Our commitment to excellence, integrity, compassion, and innovation has made us a trusted partner in connecting jobs, people, and communities. The remarkably talented and dedicated people of Nelson Connects are building on the rich history of this company to define the future of our industry, and we can’t wait to work with you.
We are Nelson Connects, and our purpose is your success.
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#LI-RC1
Rick Croteau
Sr. Recruiting Manager
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About Us
To learn more about the workplace culture and the position, please apply!
For over 50 years, Nelson Connects has empowered employers and job seekers to achieve their unique versions of success. Our commitment to excellence, integrity, compassion, and innovation has made us a trusted partner in connecting jobs, people, and communities. The remarkably talented and dedicated people of Nelson Connects are building on the rich history of this company to define the future of our industry, and we can’t wait to work with you.
We are Nelson Connects, and our purpose is your success.
Company Description
If you’re looking for a new opportunity, the recruiting and staffing experts at Nelson Connects can help. We work with companies of all types and sizes across all industries. We help people like you find exciting roles with employers ranging from Fortune 100 companies, government, and nonprofit organizations to local businesses, industry leaders, and the most agile start-ups. The candidates we work with appreciate our responsive approach, genuine relationships, and exceptional service. With a commitment to transparency, authenticity, and credibility, we look forward to our work every day and are excited to help you find the right next step in your career.
Pay & Benefits Transparency
Nelson Connects provides compensation ranges for all job postings in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local pay transparency laws. The compensation range listed represents a good faith estimate of base pay at the time of posting for the specific position and work location, or locations where the role may be performed.
Eligible temporary associates may have access to medical, dental, vision, HSA, EAP, life/AD&D, short-term disability, 401(k) retirement plan options, commuter benefits, paid sick leave where mandated, and other state or locally required benefits, subject to eligibility requirements.
Where applicable, postings will describe any additional benefits, paid leave, bonus or incentive opportunities, commissions, and other forms of compensation specific to that position. Actual compensation offered may vary based on skills, experience, worksite location, shift, and other legitimate business factors.
Fair Chance Hiring
Nelson Connects will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local fair chance and ban-the-box laws.
Temporary Assignment Disclosure
For temporary or temporary-to-hire assignments, the job posting will identify the worksite location, anticipated schedule, pay rate or range, nature of the assignment, and other information required under applicable state or local law.
Equal Employment Opportunity & Accommodation
Nelson Connects is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under applicable law.
At Nelson Connects, we welcome applicants of all abilities and are committed to ensuring that every aspect of our hiring and interview process is accessible and supportive. If you require a reasonable accommodation to assist in your job search or application process, please contact us at peopleoperations@nelsonconnects.com for assistance.
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