Job Description

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Payroll Specialist to join our dynamic and fast-growing People and Culture team in Carlsbad, CA. In this critical role, you will ensure the accurate and timely processing of payroll for our organization, supporting a diverse employee base across multiple locations.

You will be responsible for investigating and resolving payroll discrepancies, auditing payroll transactions, performing complex payroll validations, and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal payroll regulations. This position requires a high level of accuracy, discretion, and subject matter expertise in payroll operations including but not limited to leaves of absence, terminations, garnishments, relocation, escheatment, tax processing, severance, 401(k), benefits, gross-ups, overpayments, VOEs, and variable compensation.

What you'll get to do:

• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee inquiries by reviewing detailed payroll records and transactions.
• Process accurate payroll adjustments related to overpayments, settlements, severance, job changes, reimbursements, deductions, and relocation.
• Ensure the accuracy of payroll outputs and distributions by auditing and validating check runs, auto-pay lists, and direct deposits.
• Manage garnishment calculations, entries, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
• Process complex payroll transactions, such as rehire salary adjustments and retroactive payments.
• Administer payroll components related to leaves of absence, including PTO, sick pay, and unpaid leave.
• Process terminations in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, ensuring timely and accurate final pay.
• Maintain payroll tax accuracy including home/work state assignments, tax reconciliations, FUTA accruals, and manual returns.
• Collaborate with the Legal department to fulfill data requests and support compliance matters.
• Reconcile internal and external remittance and interface files related to 401(k), NQDC, health insurance, HSAs, and other deductions.
• Monitor and manage payroll banking functions including stop payments, reversals, ACH reports, and direct deposit updates.
• Lead and complete special assignments and payroll-related projects as needed.

Qualifications

Who you are:

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business, or related field preferred.
• 3+ years of progressive payroll processing experience required; experience in a multi-location or retail environment strongly preferred.
• Proficient in payroll and timekeeping systems (e.g., ADP, UKG, Kronos).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, and formulas.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities with keen attention to accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting strict deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly, adapt to change, and uphold company values and policies.
• Willingness to work extended hours as necessary during payroll cycles or audits.

Additional Information

Our investment in you:

At Vuori, we’re proud to offer the following to our employees:

• Health Insurance
• Savings and Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Generous Vuori Discount & Industry Perks
• Paid Time Off
• Wellness & Fitness benefits

The salary range for this role is $70,000 per year - $82,500 per year.

Vuori is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.