Payroll and HR Specialist

Payroll and HR Specialist

Quantum Fuel Systems / www.qtww.com

Reports to: Director, People Leadership

Location: Lake Forest, CA (onsite at company headquarters)

Employment type: Full-time

FLSA: Exempt

Pay Range: $80,000.00 - $85,000.00/year

Quantum Fuel Systems is engineering the future of alternative fuel solutions. For over 25 years, we've been at the forefront of clean energy innovation, designing, developing, and delivering industry-leading storage systems and transport trailers for compressed natural gas (CNG), renewable natural gas (RNG), and hydrogen.

Based in Lake Forest, California, we're driving clean energy forward by helping our partners meet ambitious net-zero targets with safe, reliable, and sustainable solutions. Our product line includes next-generation fuel storage systems for commercial vehicles and virtual pipeline trailers that offer industry-leading capacity with advanced composite technology.

Requirements

JOB PURPOSE

Working directly with the Director of People Leadership, the Payroll & HR Specialist leads our payroll function while also supporting a variety of Human Resources and Business Operations needs which include benefits administration, recruiting, onboarding, assigning new hire and annual compliance training on our LMS, annual reviews, and other functions of the HR team.

The payroll function is the foundation of this role. Candidates should bring demonstrated, hands-on payroll experience.

Due to the high volume of in-person employee interactions and walk-up inquiries, this is a fully onsite role based at our Lake Forest, CA office.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

Payroll

• Process full-cycle payroll for employees across multiple states, ensuring accuracy and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Process garnishments and court-ordered benefit enrollments
• Collect, verify, and store organizational payroll data
• Input and maintain changes to employee records, statuses, exemptions, withholdings, and banking information
• Reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts and prepare summary reports and statements
• Interface with third-party payroll vendors as needed
• Stay current on multi-state payroll legislation and tax requirements
• Partner with the HR Director on year-end processes, including W-2 and 1095-C preparation and reconciliation

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefits programs, including enrollments, changes, and reconciliations
• Serve as a point of contact for employee payroll and benefits inquiries, resolving discrepancies promptly
• Experience managing 401(k) file feeds and carrier integrations between payroll and benefits systems

Human Resources

• Support HR administrative functions including onboarding, offboarding, and employee record maintenance
• Assist with HR compliance, policy documentation, and reporting
• Partner with the HR Director to triage and resolve routine employee inquiries

REQUIREMENTS

• Associate's degree required; Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field preferred
• 2-4 years minimum of payroll experience, with demonstrated expertise in handling full-cycle payroll, including garnishments
• Hands-on experience with payroll software (preferred: UKG Ready)
• Experience administering employee benefits programs
• Working knowledge of HR processes including onboarding, recordkeeping, and basic employee relations
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, with California wage and hour law considered essential
• Exceptional attention to detail, mathematical aptitude, and ability to meet strict deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong customer service skills and a commitment to confidentiality
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook and Word.
• Intermediate Excel skills needed, including V-Lookup and data manipulation
• Able to work effectively as a primary resource, with a collaborative leadership team available for support
• Demonstrated accuracy in data entry and a habit of self-checking work before submission

ADDITIONAL PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation
• Experience as sole HR practitioner / “HR of One”
• PHR or SHRM-CP certification
• Familiarity with HRIS systems
• Experience in manufacturing front office

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Regular and punctual onsite attendance for all scheduled work hours is an essential function of this position.
• Candidates must have access to reliable transportation to ensure timely arrival for scheduled work hours and occasional off-site travel for business-related tasks.

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS This is primarily a sedentary office position. The employee regularly operates a computer, keyboard, mouse, and phone, and must be able to communicate verbally and in writing. The position requires close vision for extended periods of computer work. Employee may occasionally need to stand, walk, reach, and lift files or materials up to 15-20 pounds.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Candidates may be asked to complete skills-based assessments as part of the interview process.
• Relevant work experience may also be substituted for education or certification, at the company’s discretion.
• Employment is contingent upon successful pre-hire completion of a background check and AB 2188 compliant drug testing.
• Duties and responsibilities may evolve based on business needs and organizational priorities.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision) - choose from 2 HMO and 2 PPO medical plans
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & selected holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability