Payroll Specialist

Description About Opto-Knowledge Systems, Inc. Opto-Knowledge Systems, Inc. (OKSI) develops advanced sensing, imaging, and artificial intelligence technologies supporting aerospace, defense, and scientific applications. Our teams work across engineering disciplines to design and deliver innovative electro-optical systems and AI-enabled sensing platforms that solve complex technical challenges. Job Summary  The Payroll Specialist is a part-time (~20 hours/week) role responsible for processing bi-weekly payroll in Paylocity, auditing and reconciling timesheets from Unanet, supporting multi-state employer and tax registration and operations, and assisting with other basic accounting tasks as needed. Job Duties: Payroll Processing Process bi-weekly payroll in Paylocity, including timesheet pulls from Unanet Send weekly timesheet reminders; follow up on outstanding submissions before payroll close Review timesheets for completeness, charge code accuracy, and proper approvals Maintain PTO balances in Unanet and Paylocity Onboard new employees into Unanet Ensure benefits, withholdings, and garnishments are handled correctly Support W-2 preparation and year-end payroll activities Multi-State Compliance Register OKSI as an employer in new states as needed (income tax withholding, SUI, and other applicable accounts) Coordinate with Finance and Paylocity on state-specific requirements Maintain records of state registrations, account numbers, and filing deadlines Ensure timely tax filings; coordinate with Paylocity to resolve any missed filings Accounting Support Prepare payroll journal entries for month-end general ledger posting Reconcile payroll-related balance sheet accounts Pull supporting documentation for audits and internal finance reporting Assist with A/P, A/R, and invoice postings as needed General Support Maintain organized payroll records per applicable recordkeeping requirements Support onboarding, offboarding, and personnel change workflows in Paylocity Assist with other finance or HR-related tasks as business needs evolve Requirements Technical Skills Hands-on Paylocity experience preferred Familiarity with Unanet or comparable project-based timekeeping/ERP system Working knowledge of multi-state payroll tax requirements and employer registration Basic accounting knowledge (debits/credits, general ledger coding) Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets Soft Skills Detail-oriented with strong accuracy in data entry and reconciliation Able to manage recurring deadlines independently Comfortable wearing multiple hats in a fast-paced, high-growth environment Clear written communicator Collaborative across HR and Finance functions Education Associate's degree or higher in Accounting, Business, Finance, or related field. Equivalent work experience considered. Experience 1–3 years of payroll processing experience, preferably multi-state. Government contracting or DCAA-compliant timekeeping experience a plus. Compensation and Benefits $28 - $35 hour Part-time (~20 hours/week) with anticipated transition to full-time as headcount grows.  Automatic company contribution to 401K – 5% of earned wages (no matching required) In-office (Los Angeles) or remote work (United States) available (position dependent) Additional Requirements You must have, or be eligible to obtain, a U.S. Department of Defense Secret security clearance. You will be subject to government security investigations and must be able to access classified information. The inability to obtain a security clearance will result in you being ineligible for the position. The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls and must be a U.S. person as defined by 22 C.F.R. We are an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in the application and hiring process. This employer participates in E-Verify.