Workday Payroll Specialist (Temporary)

CityIrvineStateCaliforniaJob LocationIrvine Regional Office (Derian)Position TypeTemporary

The Workday Payroll Specialist will serve as a key member of the payroll team, with responsibility for full-cycle bi-weekly payroll processing for 1,700+ associates. You will support payroll and monitor all necessary tasks to accomplish payroll processing objectives for all regions within a multi-state environment. The ideal candidate must be detail-orientated with significant knowledge and experience in payroll administration, including state and federal regulations. This individual is responsible for providing accurate and timely payroll processing, problem resolution as needed, commitment to process improvement, and strong customer service. The Workday Payroll Specialist will also assist their peers within the team with troubleshooting complex payroll issues or queries.

Please note this is a temporary position, covering an employee on LOA. The duration is approximately four to six months, estimated to last until January 2026.

This position can be based at our Irvine or San Mateo corporate offices. We work a hybrid model (Monday-Wednesday onsite, Thursday-Friday WFH). The Irvine corporate office is the preferred location.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Payroll Operations: Process and verify bi-weekly payroll. Administer payroll functions including calculating paychecks, bonuses, withholding taxes, on-demand terminations, and other deductions. Ensure all employees are paid correctly and on time.
• Business Partnership:  Coordinate and partner with cross-functional teams to keep all payroll records accurate and up to date.  Continuously identify and develop solutions for automation and process efficiency to improve productivity.
• Compliance and Regulation: Stay abreast of state and federal payroll regulations, assisting with compliance matters. Produce audit reports to validate payroll data integrity meeting SOX requirements for an associate population of 1,800 + specifically in California and Washington.  
• Audit data concerning transfer of associates between departments and or locations, rate changes, FLSA changes, and LOA payments.
• Process and monitor child support and wage garnishment orders.
• Upload payroll imports/EIBs into Workday.
• Process, review, and audit automated standard reports to verify accuracy and correct any out-of-balance transactions as necessary.
• Resolve payroll questions and issues from the region of associates by collecting and analyzing information and working with the appropriate channels to resolve timely and accurately.
• Monitor payroll inbox/Service Now and provide associate assistance promptly to ensure quality customer service
• Maintain strict confidentiality of associate information.
• Other duties as prescribed

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

• Associate’s degree (AA) or equivalent from two-year college is required or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience in Workday system components such as Payroll, Absence Management, and Time Tracking is required.
• Must be familiar with California and Washington local tax & labor laws.
• 3+ years of experience as a hands-on Payroll Specialist.
• Knowledge of payroll regulations, and compliance with multi-state and local payroll processing.
• Liaising with third-party payroll providers, specifically with OneSource Virtual (OSV), and navigating OSV Atmosphere’s dashboard.
• Experience with Zendesk ticketing systems
• Proven ability to work effectively and build relationships with various teams, departments, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to handle change and manage multiple tasks effectively by prioritizing requests and meeting tight deadlines.
• Good communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Proficient knowledge of MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) required.
• Fundamental Payroll Professional (FPC) designation preferred.

WHAT THE JOB REQUIRES:

• Work is primarily conducted in an office setting. Requires sitting at a desk or workstation for extended periods. Involves the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and printers.
• Requires the ability to work Mondays through Fridays with in-person office requirements for a minimum of 3 days per week: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, located at Essex's corporate offices in Irvine, Woodland Hills, San Mateo, and Bellevue.
• Requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods. Minimal physical effort in the day-to-day tasks.
• This role does not require any travel; work is primarily conducted at the office.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE TABLE:

• Ability to comprehend and interpret instructions, short correspondence, and ask clarifying questions to ensure understanding. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from clients, co-workers, and/or supervisors.
• Ability to understand and carry out general instructions in standard situations. Ability to solve problems in standard situations. Requires basic analytical skills.
• Decisions made with a general understanding of procedures and company policies to achieve set results and deadlines. Errors in judgment may have a short-term impact on co-workers and supervisors.

#LI-SL1

#LI-Hybrid

All full-time regular associates are offered competitive salaries, experience career growth, and are eligible for benefit packages that include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, 401k employer match, excellence rewards, wellness programs, and much more. With our Sunday property operations office closures, 10 paid holidays, and 15 PTO days, work/life balance is a priority! Additionally, most positions are eligible for a housing discount of 20%.

Essex provides great communities in which to live, work and invest. We are a purpose-driven company, and we pride ourselves on promoting an internal culture of growth and opportunity by engaging, enabling, and empowering our teams. Working at Essex is not a destination. It is a journey where you can confidently build your career.

The salary range for this position is $65,000.00 - $91,000.00 per year. New hires generally start between $65,000.00 - $78,000.00 per year. The final salary offer will be determined after reviewing relevant factors, including but not limited to skill sets; relevant experience; internal equity; and other business and organizational needs.