Payroll Analyst Jobs in California
Payroll Analyst jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in finance, technology, healthcare, and entertainment across a seniority range from entry-level coordinator to senior analyst. The largest hiring markets are Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose, where employers like Salesforce, Kaiser Permanente, and Disney maintain significant payroll operations. The most in-demand specialties in California include multi-state payroll compliance, equity compensation processing, and Workday or ADP implementation. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Payroll Analyst JobsOverview
Open roles38
Top employerWhatnot
Top citySan Francisco, CA
Cities hiring24
Work type52% Hybrid
Top industryRetail
Showing 5 of 38+ Payroll Analyst jobs
Senior Payroll Analyst
We won't show you this job again
Added 2d ago
MemorialCare
Senior Payroll Analyst
Fountain Valley, California
Added 2d ago
Payroll Admin and HRIS Analyst
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Added 3d ago
Farmers and Merchants Bank of Long Beach
Payroll Admin and HRIS Analyst
Lakewood, California
Added 3d ago
Payroll Analyst II
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Added 3d ago
UCLA Health
Payroll Analyst II
Los Angeles, California
Added 3d ago
Payroll Analyst II
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Added 4d ago
Millennium Physician Group
Payroll Analyst II
San Francisco, California
Added 4d ago
Payroll Analyst
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Added 5d ago
Hoxton Circle
Payroll Analyst
San Jose, California
Added 5d ago
Added 2d ago
Senior Payroll Analyst
MemorialCare·Fountain Valley, California
Job functions:
$39.12 - $56.75/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's degree in finance
10,000+ employees
Job Description
Senior Payroll Analyst - (MEM010057)
Description
Title: Senior Payroll Analyst
Location: Fountain Valley / On-Site
Department: Payroll
Status: Full Time
Shift: Day (8hr); Mon-Fri, 7:30am-4:00pm
Pay Range*: $39.12/hr. - $56.75/hr
$5,000 signing bonus available to external hires new to MHS employment, contingent upon satisfaction of employment requirements.
MemorialCare is a nonprofit integrated health system that includes four leading hospitals, award-winning medical groups – consisting of over 200 sites of care, and more than 2,000 physicians throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We are committed to increasing access to patient-centric, affordable, and high-quality healthcare; your personal contributions are integral to MemorialCare's recognition as a market leader and innovator in value-based and other care models.
Across our family of medical centers, we support each one of our bright, talented employees in reaching the highest levels of professional development, contribution, collaboration, and accountability. Whatever your role and whatever expertise you bring, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your full potential in an environment of respect, innovation, and teamwork.
Position Summary
The Senior Payroll Analyst at the Payroll Service Center possesses a solid background in payroll processing activities. This individual performs the payroll processing function; including but not limited to, entry and maintenance of time keeping edits, adjustments, voluntary deductions, involuntary deductions, review/analysis of applicable payroll reports, handling and filing 940, 941, schedule B, DE9, amended tax returns on a quarterly/ and or yearly basis.
Additionally, the Senior Payroll Analyst assists the Payroll Manager in providing guidance to Payroll staff and performs some of the more complex payroll functions. This position, in general, is responsible for daily payroll processing functions and is a key contact for facility personnel (based on assigned facilities) and is a resource to Payroll staff.
The Senior Payroll Analyst performs and supervises all activities necessary to processing 9 separate tax companies for over 12,000 employees, two union groups, and the Physicians group every two weeks ensuring that established deadlines are met through coordinating the flow of work by payroll staff employees.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities of the Job
- Processes termination manual check processing per California law, which requires terming employee (90% of terms give notice) to receive final check on last day worked. On-time communication with eight Human Resource departments and employees manager for final hours worked on last day.
- Provides prompt and excellent customer service by answering in-coming phone calls from the payroll call center. Follows up to all requests (voice mail, email) in compliance with department procedures to ensure employee problems are handled appropriately and timely, as are other requests for information from departments and third-party sources. Fosters strong customer service relationships and provides premium customer service skills.
- Problem solving; Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; works well in group problem solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
- Ability to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of the data and information they are accessing.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.
- Proficient with navigating multiple systems with experience in PeopleSoft and/or API Time and Attendance preferred.
- Proficient Excel skills required, with a working knowledge of other Microsoft applications.
- Reconcile YTD Federal and State Tax Information on a bi-weekly basis.
- Reconcile and remit bi-weekly State and Federal taxes.
- Reconcile and remit quarterly State and Federal taxes.
- File State and Federal forms 940, 941, Schedule B, DE9, Amended tax returns, etc. on a quarterly and/or year-end basis.
- Handle 990 Requests for calendar year, fiscal year and date ranged requests.
- MRP (MemorialCare Retirement Plan) Audit & Reconciliations including monitoring Employee and Employer contribution limits for high wage earners.
- 401K Analysis and Reconciliation of Delinquent Loans, Hardship Loans and Loans Paid Off
- Reconcile/balance 401k, 401k Loans, 403b, 457 and MRP Employee Contributions and submit ACH’s for these vendors.
- Reconcile/balance and upload Employee Contribution files for 401k, 403b, 457 and MRP contributions to respective vendor websites
- Reconcile and Report Mistake of Facts, Over Contributions and Excess Distributions for 401k, 403b, 457 and MRP.
- Audit 403b spreadsheet provided by IT for any overcontributions, more than 1 TSA, goal amounts, etc.
- Analyze Social Security file from the BSO Website and reconcile prior to pay period ending.
- Reconcile and transmit Daily & Bi-Weekly PosPay, Direct Deposits, and Prenotes to Farmers & Merchants bank.
- Processing, handling, and reconcile all garnishments. Remit CA Child Support to CA State Disbursement Unit. All non-child support files need to be generated and balanced, and the files need to be sent to AP to pay.
- Handle PTO Audits and Reconciliation.
- Multi Worksite Reporting to Bureau of Labor Statistics each quarter.
- PWC Audits and PG1 audit requests from LSL.
- Processing of deceased employee’s final wages to beneficiaries with proper taxation.
- Out of State tax setup and possibly file out of State tax returns.
- Run and reconcile GL Interfaces for all facilities bi-weekly.
- Handling Year End Tasks such as:
- Yearly Worker’s Comp Payroll Audit – provide total payroll figures for worker’s comp insurance renewal.
- Audit and balance W2’s at the end of the year for each company prior to mailing.
- Audit TSA limits for the new year that IS has set up and request any changes.
- Set up parameters in PeopleSoft for new year and work with IS for any changes i.e.: tax chart, W2 parameters, pay calendar table, PTO accruals, FUTA and SUI Rates for PG1 & SHP, company State Tax Table.
- Compute yearly Annual Lease Value of Company provided vehicles and impute value into employee’s earnings for proper taxation.
- Audit 401k and MRP year-end spreadsheet prior to year-end employer funding
Placement in the pay range is based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, relevant years of experience and qualifications. In addition to base pay, there may be additional compensation available for this role, including but not limited to, shift differentials, extra shift incentives, and bonus opportunities. Health and wellness is our passion at MemorialCare—that includes taking good care of employees and their dependents. We offer high quality health insurance plan options, so you can select the best choice for your family. And there’s more...Check out our MemorialCare Benefits for more information about our Benefits and Rewards.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
Qualifications/Work Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years' experience in computerized large payroll department (greater than 3000 employees), healthcare industry preferred, with proven expertise in end to end payroll processing and knowledge of Federal and State regulations is required
- Knowledge of California and Federal Wage Orders and Garnishments
- 10-key by touch
- Ability to type 40-45 WPM
- PC proficient
Education/Licensure/Certification:
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or related field
- CPP Preferred
MemorialCare
Senior Payroll Analyst
Fountain Valley, California
Added 2d ago10,000+ employees
Job functions:
$39.12 - $56.75/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's degree in finance
Job Description
Senior Payroll Analyst - (MEM010057)
Description
Title: Senior Payroll Analyst
Location: Fountain Valley / On-Site
Department: Payroll
Status: Full Time
Shift: Day (8hr); Mon-Fri, 7:30am-4:00pm
Pay Range*: $39.12/hr. - $56.75/hr
$5,000 signing bonus available to external hires new to MHS employment, contingent upon satisfaction of employment requirements.
MemorialCare is a nonprofit integrated health system that includes four leading hospitals, award-winning medical groups – consisting of over 200 sites of care, and more than 2,000 physicians throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We are committed to increasing access to patient-centric, affordable, and high-quality healthcare; your personal contributions are integral to MemorialCare's recognition as a market leader and innovator in value-based and other care models.
Across our family of medical centers, we support each one of our bright, talented employees in reaching the highest levels of professional development, contribution, collaboration, and accountability. Whatever your role and whatever expertise you bring, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your full potential in an environment of respect, innovation, and teamwork.
Position Summary
The Senior Payroll Analyst at the Payroll Service Center possesses a solid background in payroll processing activities. This individual performs the payroll processing function; including but not limited to, entry and maintenance of time keeping edits, adjustments, voluntary deductions, involuntary deductions, review/analysis of applicable payroll reports, handling and filing 940, 941, schedule B, DE9, amended tax returns on a quarterly/ and or yearly basis.
Additionally, the Senior Payroll Analyst assists the Payroll Manager in providing guidance to Payroll staff and performs some of the more complex payroll functions. This position, in general, is responsible for daily payroll processing functions and is a key contact for facility personnel (based on assigned facilities) and is a resource to Payroll staff.
The Senior Payroll Analyst performs and supervises all activities necessary to processing 9 separate tax companies for over 12,000 employees, two union groups, and the Physicians group every two weeks ensuring that established deadlines are met through coordinating the flow of work by payroll staff employees.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities of the Job
- Processes termination manual check processing per California law, which requires terming employee (90% of terms give notice) to receive final check on last day worked. On-time communication with eight Human Resource departments and employees manager for final hours worked on last day.
- Provides prompt and excellent customer service by answering in-coming phone calls from the payroll call center. Follows up to all requests (voice mail, email) in compliance with department procedures to ensure employee problems are handled appropriately and timely, as are other requests for information from departments and third-party sources. Fosters strong customer service relationships and provides premium customer service skills.
- Problem solving; Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; works well in group problem solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
- Ability to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of the data and information they are accessing.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.
- Proficient with navigating multiple systems with experience in PeopleSoft and/or API Time and Attendance preferred.
- Proficient Excel skills required, with a working knowledge of other Microsoft applications.
- Reconcile YTD Federal and State Tax Information on a bi-weekly basis.
- Reconcile and remit bi-weekly State and Federal taxes.
- Reconcile and remit quarterly State and Federal taxes.
- File State and Federal forms 940, 941, Schedule B, DE9, Amended tax returns, etc. on a quarterly and/or year-end basis.
- Handle 990 Requests for calendar year, fiscal year and date ranged requests.
- MRP (MemorialCare Retirement Plan) Audit & Reconciliations including monitoring Employee and Employer contribution limits for high wage earners.
- 401K Analysis and Reconciliation of Delinquent Loans, Hardship Loans and Loans Paid Off
- Reconcile/balance 401k, 401k Loans, 403b, 457 and MRP Employee Contributions and submit ACH’s for these vendors.
- Reconcile/balance and upload Employee Contribution files for 401k, 403b, 457 and MRP contributions to respective vendor websites
- Reconcile and Report Mistake of Facts, Over Contributions and Excess Distributions for 401k, 403b, 457 and MRP.
- Audit 403b spreadsheet provided by IT for any overcontributions, more than 1 TSA, goal amounts, etc.
- Analyze Social Security file from the BSO Website and reconcile prior to pay period ending.
- Reconcile and transmit Daily & Bi-Weekly PosPay, Direct Deposits, and Prenotes to Farmers & Merchants bank.
- Processing, handling, and reconcile all garnishments. Remit CA Child Support to CA State Disbursement Unit. All non-child support files need to be generated and balanced, and the files need to be sent to AP to pay.
- Handle PTO Audits and Reconciliation.
- Multi Worksite Reporting to Bureau of Labor Statistics each quarter.
- PWC Audits and PG1 audit requests from LSL.
- Processing of deceased employee’s final wages to beneficiaries with proper taxation.
- Out of State tax setup and possibly file out of State tax returns.
- Run and reconcile GL Interfaces for all facilities bi-weekly.
- Handling Year End Tasks such as:
- Yearly Worker’s Comp Payroll Audit – provide total payroll figures for worker’s comp insurance renewal.
- Audit and balance W2’s at the end of the year for each company prior to mailing.
- Audit TSA limits for the new year that IS has set up and request any changes.
- Set up parameters in PeopleSoft for new year and work with IS for any changes i.e.: tax chart, W2 parameters, pay calendar table, PTO accruals, FUTA and SUI Rates for PG1 & SHP, company State Tax Table.
- Compute yearly Annual Lease Value of Company provided vehicles and impute value into employee’s earnings for proper taxation.
- Audit 401k and MRP year-end spreadsheet prior to year-end employer funding
Placement in the pay range is based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, relevant years of experience and qualifications. In addition to base pay, there may be additional compensation available for this role, including but not limited to, shift differentials, extra shift incentives, and bonus opportunities. Health and wellness is our passion at MemorialCare—that includes taking good care of employees and their dependents. We offer high quality health insurance plan options, so you can select the best choice for your family. And there’s more...Check out our MemorialCare Benefits for more information about our Benefits and Rewards.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
Qualifications/Work Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years' experience in computerized large payroll department (greater than 3000 employees), healthcare industry preferred, with proven expertise in end to end payroll processing and knowledge of Federal and State regulations is required
- Knowledge of California and Federal Wage Orders and Garnishments
- 10-key by touch
- Ability to type 40-45 WPM
- PC proficient
Education/Licensure/Certification:
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or related field
- CPP Preferred
See All 38 Payroll Analyst Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Payroll Analyst JobsPayroll Analyst Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
San Francisco
9 jobsLos Angeles
5 jobsSan Jose
2 jobsLong Beach
2 jobsFolsom
1 jobFresno
1 jobOakland
1 jobOntario
1 jobRocklin
1 jobLakewood
1 jobMonterey
1 jobTorrance
1 jobFairfield
1 jobLongueuil
1 jobPalo Alto
1 jobSan Diego
1 jobSanta Ana
1 jobCosta Mesa
1 jobLivingston
1 jobSacramento
1 jobIrvine Park
1 jobSanta Barbara
1 jobFountain Valley
1 jobWest Sacramento
1 jobPayroll Analyst Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Retail
- Technology & Software
- Insurance
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Artificial Intelligence
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in payroll analyst jobs across California.
- Proficiency in Workday, ADP Workforce Now, or Ceridian Dayforce payroll systems
- Working knowledge of California wage and hour laws, including overtime and meal-break rules
- Experience processing multi-state payroll for large California-based employee populations
- Associate or bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field
- Familiarity with equity compensation payroll, including RSU and ESPP processing
- FPC or CPP certification from the American Payroll Association preferred by many California employers
Payroll Analyst Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a payroll analyst in California?
Most payroll analyst roles in California require at least an associate degree in accounting, business, or finance, though a bachelor's degree is increasingly preferred at larger employers. California does not issue a state-specific payroll license, so candidates build credibility through the American Payroll Association's Fundamental Payroll Certification or Certified Payroll Professional designation. Employers in California place particular weight on hands-on experience with California-specific wage and hour rules.
How much do payroll analysts make in California?
Payroll analysts in California earn a median of about $65,340 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $46,120 for the lowest 10% to over $92,080 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire payroll analysts in California?
Employers hiring payroll analysts in California right now include Whatnot, Okta, and Jobot, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. California's concentration of large technology firms, healthcare systems, and entertainment studios creates consistent, year-round demand for payroll professionals across seniority levels.
Which California cities have the most payroll analyst jobs?
San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Jose have the most payroll analyst openings in California. Los Angeles drives volume through its entertainment, healthcare, and logistics employers, San Francisco and San Jose reflect the dense concentration of technology headquarters that require specialists in equity compensation payroll, and other metros such as Sacramento and San Diego add openings through state government and defense-related organizations.
Are there remote payroll analyst jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields, because payroll analysis is fundamentally a desk-based, software-driven role. About 65% of payroll analyst openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting how comfortably the work translates to distributed teams. The tasks most commonly performed remotely include payroll processing, compliance audits, and system configuration, while on-site presence is more often required for new implementations or cross-departmental rollouts.
How can I get hired as a payroll analyst in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving into a junior payroll analyst or payroll coordinator role from an adjacent position such as accounts payable specialist, HR coordinator, or general accounting assistant. Large California employers including Kaiser Permanente and county government agencies regularly hire at the coordinator level and train from within. Earning the American Payroll Association's Fundamental Payroll Certification before applying signals commitment and gives candidates without direct experience a concrete credential to reference.
Where can I find and apply to payroll analyst jobs in California?
You can find and apply to payroll analyst jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated on an ongoing basis. Find roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to the employer through each listing.
See All 38 Payroll Analyst Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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