RLJ Financial Services is seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist for a full-time, in-person position at our Ceres, California office.
This is a multi-client payroll position, not an internal payroll position serving only one employer. RLJ provides recurring payroll services to approximately 120 to 130 small-business clients with different pay frequencies, deadlines, states, local jurisdictions, and compliance requirements.
The Payroll Specialist will manage the complete payroll cycle, communicate directly with clients, address payroll-tax matters, and help document and improve our processes. Over time, the successful candidate is expected to become the primary day-to-day owner of our payroll portfolio, with experienced team members providing training, review, and backup coverage.
About RLJ Financial Services:
At RLJ Financial Services, our work is rooted in something deeper than numbers. It is an outflow of our commitment to follow Jesus Christ in all we do. We believe every task, client interaction, and process is an opportunity to serve others with integrity, excellence, and care.
Our foundational commitments include Faith, Family, Trust, Integrity, Morals, and Honesty. These commitments shape how we serve our clients, treat one another, protect confidential information, take responsibility for our work, and respond when challenges arise.
As a forward-looking accounting and tax firm, we combine this foundation with modern technology and proactive solutions for small businesses, individuals, and families. We are intentional about creating a workplace where employees are supported, challenged, and encouraged to use their abilities in service to others.
Position Details
- Full-time, hourly, nonexempt position
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Fully in person at 1788 Mitchell Road, Suite 102, Ceres, CA 95307
- This position is not offered as remote or hybrid work
Key Responsibilities
- Manage payroll processing for multiple small-business clients across various pay schedules.
- Collect, review, and verify employee payroll data including hours, pay changes, deductions, and new-hire or termination information.
- Process payroll accurately using Payroll Relief, OnPay, and other approved systems.
- Ensure payroll taxes, withholdings, and required filings are calculated and submitted correctly.
- Handle direct deposits, garnishments, benefits deductions, and other payroll-related payments.
- Reconcile payroll reports, tax filings, and account activity to ensure accuracy.
- Respond to and resolve payroll-related questions, notices, and discrepancies.
- Support multi-state payroll clients and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
- Coordinate new client onboarding and manage client transitions or terminations as needed.
- Maintain confidentiality of all employee, client, and financial information.
- Communicate with clients in a timely, professional, and helpful manner throughout the payroll process.
- Maintain accurate records, documentation, and process notes for continuity and compliance.
- Identify opportunities to improve and streamline payroll processes while maintaining accuracy and security.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- At least one year of hands-on payroll processing experience.
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and ability to meet deadlines.
- Ability to manage multiple clients and recurring payroll schedules.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills.
- Sound judgment when handling sensitive or incomplete information.
- Ability to work in person at our Ceres, CA office full time.
- Personal alignment with RLJ’s values: Faith, Family, Trust, Integrity, Morals, and Honesty
Preferred Experience & Skills
- 2+ years of payroll processing experience.
- Experience working in a multi-client payroll environment.
- Familiarity with payroll systems such as Payroll Relief, OnPay, ADP, Paychex, UKG, Gusto, or similar.
- Experience with payroll tax filings, year-end forms, and multi-state payroll.
- Experience handling garnishments, benefits deductions, and payroll tax notices.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Office tools.
- Payroll certification (FPC or CPP) or related education.
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, finance, or related field.
What Success Looks Like:
- Process payroll accurately and on time.
- Communicate clearly and consistently with clients.
- Build trust through reliability and follow-through.
- Identify and resolve issues before they become problems.
- Maintain organized documentation and dependable processes.
- Contribute to a supportive, team-oriented environment.
Employment is contingent upon successfully completing a background check and ongoing compliance screening required by our broker/dealer partner, Cetera Wealth Services, LLC. This will include criminal background checks, financial background review, and other regulatory disclosures required for access to client financial data.
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” Luke 16:10
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $61,828.00 - $81,742.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
Application Question(s):
- Are you willing and able to successfully complete a background check and regulatory compliance screening required by our broker/dealer as a condition of employment?
Language:
Work Location: In person
