CMG Financial Careers

CMG Financial is seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist to join our Corporate Payroll team. This position is responsible for supporting the accurate and timely processing of payroll while providing responsive, high-quality service to employees and business partners.

The Payroll Specialist will process and audit payroll data, review benefit deductions, calculate commissions, assist with payroll tax and garnishment administration, support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end activities, and participate in special payroll projects.

The ideal candidate will have strong payroll experience, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

This is a Temporary to Hire position which will start as a temporary position with the ability to become a fulltime employee with CMG for the right candidate. 

This position requires working on-site at our Corporate Headquarters in San Ramon, California.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review, audit, process, and verify payroll data to ensure accuracy and proper coding.
• Assist with the accurate and timely processing of company payroll on a monthly and/or semi-monthly basis.
• Run and review payroll reports and supporting documentation for payroll audits and reconciliations.
• Develop ad hoc payroll reports to support special projects, audits, and business needs.
• Research and respond to employee payroll questions and discrepancies, providing timely updates through resolution.
• Complete routine payroll-related employment verification requests.
• Assist with processing garnishments, levies, withholding orders, and support orders.
• Maintain the payroll calendar and communicate payroll deadlines and schedule changes to managers and other stakeholders.
• Provide payroll expertise, guidance, and training support to payroll team members as needed.
• Assist with month-end, quarter-end, and year-end payroll processing, reconciliations, and audits.
• Calculate and process Wholesale commissions, sales bonuses, and draws accurately and within established deadlines.
• Calculate and process Correspondent commissions, sales bonuses, and draws accurately and within established deadlines.
• Serve as a backup Payroll System Administrator and assist with system-related payroll functions as needed.
• Assist with reviewing, auditing, and setting up payroll taxes and state/local tax jurisdictions as required.
• Monitor and support the Payroll team inbox, ensuring employee and business inquiries are routed and addressed appropriately.
• Participate in payroll process improvements and special projects as assigned.
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality when handling employee payroll and personal information.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 4–5 years of payroll experience required.
• Hands-on experience with UKG payroll systems required.
• Experience with UKG Pro Workforce Management (Pro WFM/Dimensions) preferred.
• Experience calculating and processing commissions, bonuses, and draws strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of payroll practices, payroll deductions, garnishments, and payroll taxes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Windows required.
• Strong Excel skills and experience working with payroll reports, reconciliations, and large data sets preferred.
• Ability to interact professionally with employees and all levels of management to resolve payroll issues, close payroll cycles, and implement process improvements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and customer service skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet strict payroll deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Sound judgment and the ability to independently research and resolve payroll issues.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Reports: None

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

This role operates in an ADA-compliant office environment and utilizes standard office equipment, including computers and other technology. The position may involve periods of stationary work as well as movement throughout the office during the workday.

Flexibility to work additional hours during payroll processing periods, quarter-end, year-end, or other critical deadlines may be required.

BASE COMPENSATION INFORMATION

For candidates in California, Colorado, New York, and other jurisdictions requiring compensation disclosure:

CMG Financial offers a competitive hourly pay range of $38.00–$48.00 per hour.

Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including relevant payroll experience, years of experience, scope and complexity of prior payroll responsibilities, commission payroll experience, UKG expertise, technical skills, education, and other job-related qualifications.