Orca

Specialist, Payroll

Orca

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Office

Location: Menlo Park • California • 🇺🇸 United States

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Salary

💰 $90,000 - $110,000 per year

Job Level

Mid-LevelSenior

Tech Stack

C++

About the role

  • Manage end-to-end semi-monthly/bi-weekly payroll processing for multi-state exempt and non-exempt employees
  • Maintain and audit employee timekeeping records, including overtime, shift differentials, and meal/rest break compliance
  • Review, reconcile, and validate timesheets and resolve timekeeping discrepancies with managers
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour regulations, tax registrations, garnishments, and statutory requirements
  • Collaborate with HR on onboarding, employee record updates, leave management, and terminations in payroll systems (Zenefits / TriNet)
  • Partner with Finance on payroll reconciliations, journal entries, reporting, and year-end activities (W-2, Form 5500, ACA)
  • Work with payroll service providers to resolve tax deductions, pay discrepancies, and payroll issues
  • Oversee payroll system upgrades and integrations and liaise with auditors for payroll-related audits
  • Administer employee equity program support: reconcile equity transactions with payroll, ensure accurate tax reporting, and assist employees with equity-related inquiries
  • Respond to employee inquiries regarding pay, deductions, time reporting, and related matters while maintaining confidentiality

Requirements

  • 5+ years of payroll experience in a multi-state environment with a significant non-exempt employee population, including alternate work schedules
  • 1–2 years of experience supporting stock administration/equity plan operations (Carta, E*TRADE, or similar systems preferred)
  • Strong knowledge of federal and state wage and hour laws (e.g., overtime, meal/rest break compliance)
  • Experience with HRIS/payroll systems (e.g., ADP Workforce Now, Paylocity, Workday, TriNet preferred)
  • High attention to detail, accuracy, and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced, high-growth environment
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a service-oriented mindset
  • Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
  • CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or FPC certification is a plus
  • Start-up or biotech industry experience preferred but not required
Benefits
  • Eligible to receive pre-IPO equity
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Flexible PTO
  • 401(k) plan
  • Life and accidental death and disability coverage
  • Parental leave benefits
  • Free daily lunches and snacks at on-site locations

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard skills
payroll processingtimekeeping records maintenancetimesheet reconciliationcompliance with wage and hour regulationspayroll reconciliationstax reportingequity program administrationpayroll system upgradesaudit liaison
Soft skills
attention to detailanalytical skillsproblem-solving skillsorganizational skillsinterpersonal skillscommunication skillsservice-oriented mindsetdiscretion
Certifications
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)