Job Description

Payroll Administrator

Welcome to Gelson’s! For over 70 years, Gelson’s has served Southern California shoppers with an enthusiasm for food of the highest quality. Our commitment to quality, selection and exceptional service sets us apart. We strive to exceed our customers’ expectations with every visit, and we take pride in creating a positive shopping experience.

We are currently searching for a Payroll Administrator to join our Payroll Department based out of our Fe Springs corporate office.

Come join the Gelson’s team and help us continue our tradition of excellence in grocery retail.

Why work with us:

• Be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration and innovation
• Embrace a culture that prioritizes team excellence
• Showcase your administrative skills to make a positive impact on the department
• Work for an organization committed to building an inclusive, supportive workplace that invests in its people and professional growth

Benefits:

• We offer competitive wages
• Generous employee discounts
• Exceptional benefit programs and a strong retirement plan
• Opportunities for career growth and development

What you will do:

The Payroll Administrator is responsible for supporting the accurate and timely processing of payroll operations for non-union employees. This role serves as an intermediate-level position within the payroll function, providing advanced processing support, data validation, and compliance assistance while operating with a high level of attention to detail and confidentiality.

Working under the direction of the Payroll Manager, the Payroll Administrator plays a key role in maintaining payroll integrity, supporting regulatory compliance, and assisting with reporting and reconciliations. This position requires strong analytical skills, initiative, and the ability to manage sensitive employee financial information with discretion.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Data Integrity

• Support weekly payroll processing by reviewing, auditing, and validating employee timecards, earnings, deductions, and adjustments.
• Process employee changes including new hires, terminations, pay rate updates, and status changes in payroll systems.
• Review payroll data for errors, inconsistencies, and compliance with company policies and wage and hour laws.
• Assist in processing garnishments, child support orders, and other required deductions.
• Ensure accuracy of direct deposits, tax withholdings, and employee demographic information.

Union Payroll & Compliance Support

• Assist with processing union dues, benefit contributions, and pension payments in accordance with CBAs.
• Maintain accurate records related to union employees, including apprentice program tracking and wage progression.
• Support implementation of contractual changes such as rate increases and benefit adjustments.

Reporting, Reconciliation & Audit Support

• Prepare and review payroll reports, including weekly, monthly, and quarterly summaries.
• Assist with payroll reconciliations, including taxable wages, accrual balances, and general ledger tie-outs.
• Support preparation of tax filings and regulatory reports by compiling and validating required data.
• Assist with year-end processes, including W-2 validation and distribution.

Systems & Process Support

• Maintain payroll system data integrity by ensuring accurate and timely updates in HRIS/payroll systems (e.g., UKG).
• Assist in identifying process inefficiencies and support implementation of process improvements.
• Partner with Payroll Manager and IT to troubleshoot system issues and ensure integrations are functioning properly.

Employee Support & Communication

• Respond to employee and manager inquiries regarding pay, deductions, and payroll processes with professionalism and accuracy.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all employee payroll and financial information.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent work experience may be considered.

Experience

• Minimum of four (4) years of payroll processing experience required, including experience in multi-state environments.
• Experience supporting union payroll and working with HRIS/payroll systems (e.g., UKG) strongly preferred.

Technical

• Strong working knowledge of payroll processes, wage and hour regulations, and payroll systems.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and payroll reporting.
• Ability to audit payroll data, identify discrepancies, and support compliance-related processes.
• Familiarity with union payroll requirements and retirement plan administration preferred.

Interpersonal Relationships

• Maintains a high level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality when handling sensitive payroll and employee information.
• Works collaboratively with Payroll, HR, Finance, and operational teams. Demonstrates a positive, solution-oriented approach.

How to Apply:

Apply today and take the first step toward a rewarding career with one of Southern California’s most respected grocery chains. We are committed to fostering a friendly and inclusive work environment. Gelson’s is an equal opportunity employer and encourages individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

Salary Range: $72,000 - $80,000