Description We are in the market for a Payroll Specialist to join our team in the Higher Education sector located in SAN MATEO, California. This role offers a short term contract employment opportunity and entails processing accurate payroll, managing retirement systems and reconciling deductions, while also addressing employee inquiries and ensuring compliance with state regulations. Experience with CalPERS or CalSTRS is required. Client is seeking knowledge of business rules of reporting retirement contributions. Responsibilities: • Manage and maintain compliance with CalPERS and CalSTRS reporting, ensuring accurate deduction and reporting of employee contributions within state regulations. • Handle enrollment, terminations, and adjustments for PERS and STRS, verifying employees’ eligibility and contribution rates. • Conduct reconciliation of PERS/STRS deductions and employer contributions in accordance with payroll reports, making necessary adjustments for discrepancies. • Support annual PERS/STRS audits, ensuring accurate reporting of retirement contributions and benefits for active employees and retirees. • Respond to employee inquiries regarding retirement contributions, pension calculations, and any discrepancies related to PERS/STRS. • Ensure all retirement contributions comply with applicable state laws and that reporting of all required forms are timely. • Maintain accurate records of employee retirement contributions, including PERS/STRS deductions and balances, and manage necessary documentation for audits or reports. Requirements • Expertise in various Accounting Functions is a crucial requirement. • Auditing skills are necessary for the role. • Knowledge of Benefit Functions is essential. • Experience with CalPERS or CalSTRS is required. Knowledge of the business rules of reporting retirement contributions. Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app) and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more. All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information. © 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms) .