Payroll Specialist at CFS

Location: Bakersfield, CA (Onsite)

Salary: $60,000 - $75,000 DOE

A well-established food production and agricultural organization in Bakersfield is seeking a Payroll Specialist to join its accounting and HR team. With approximately 500 employees across multiple departments, this company plays an important role in supporting California's agricultural industry and has built a reputation for operational excellence and employee longevity.

This position is critical in ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time while supporting compliance, reporting, and payroll-related inquiries. If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where details matter and your work directly impacts the employee experience, this opportunity offers both stability and visibility.

The Opportunity

As the Payroll Specialist, you'll take ownership of the biweekly payroll process for approximately 500 employees. You'll serve as a key resource for payroll administration, partner closely with HR and Accounting, and help maintain compliance with federal, state, and company payroll requirements.

This role offers the chance to become a subject matter expert while contributing to a collaborative team environment. The ideal candidate enjoys balancing routine processing responsibilities with problem-solving and continuous improvement opportunities.

What You'll Do

• Process biweekly payroll for approximately 500 employees, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Review and maintain employee payroll records, deductions, garnishments, taxes, and earnings data
• Reconcile payroll reports and support month-end accounting and reporting activities
• Coordinate with HR and department leaders to resolve payroll discrepancies and employee questions
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations while supporting audits and reporting requirements

What We're Looking For

• 3+ years of payroll processing experience, including high-volume payroll environments
• Strong understanding of payroll laws, tax regulations, garnishments, and employee deductions
• Experience with payroll systems such as ADP, Paychex, UKG, or similar HRIS/payroll platforms
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience supporting payroll for manufacturing, agriculture, food production, or related industries preferred

Why This Role Stands Out

• Established organization with a long history of success and workforce stability
• Opportunity to own a critical function and make a visible impact across the organization
• Exposure to leadership and cross-functional collaboration with HR and Accounting teams
• Supportive, team-oriented culture that values accuracy, professionalism, and continuous improvement

If you're looking for a role where you can make an impact while continuing to grow professionally, this could be the right next step.

Timing is everything. Whether you're actively exploring or open to the right opportunity, we'd welcome the chance to connect. Many of our roles are not posted publicly—reach out to learn more.