Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist

Santa Monica, California, United States

GumGum is The Mindset Company transforming advertising. We're an advertising technology company delivering results by matching brands with people in the right mindset in the moments that matter. Our platform is powered by the Mindset Graph, our AI-driven data engine that processes billions of real-time contextual, creative, environmental, and historical signals to match every ad with the most receptive audience. The result is advertising that drives meaningful outcomes for advertisers and publishers, and is more relevant for consumers.

We were founded in 2008 and are headquartered in Santa Monica, California, operating in over 19 markets across North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia.

Our principles guide our work every day and are as follows:

• Customer-Obsessed: We're focused on advertising solutions that solve needs and drive success for clients and partners.
• Make It Happen: We have a bias for action and take ownership to deliver results.
• Always Innovate: We push boundaries with creativity and technology.
• Foster Belonging: We ensure colleagues feel included, supported, and empowered to thrive.

The Payroll Specialist is a deadline driven, integral role in our Accounting department that is critical to all aspects of the payroll processing functions, both domestic and international, at GumGum. The Payroll Specialist is responsible for a critical business process that impacts all team members. The Payroll Specialist is responsible for overseeing and executing end-to-end payroll processing with a high level of accuracy, compliance, and confidentiality. The Payroll Specialist supports the entire payroll process and is therefore instrumental in planning and documenting processes and ensuring deadlines are met for every payroll cycle. Note: GumGum fosters a flexible work environment, offering GumGummers the ability to work either in-office or remotely/from home. However, for occasional in-person collaboration, we kindly ask that this position be located within a 'commutable' distance to our office.

What You'll Achieve

• Systems and Processes
  • Responsible for the processing of accurate and timely semi-monthly and monthly payrolls for multi-state domestic & international entities
  • Process manual checks including final checks and off-cycle payrolls as needed
  • Process and balance payrolls, ensuring all compliance reports are prepared and fully reconciled, garnishments, 401K administration, and generating standard and ad hoc reports
  • Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll, tax, and labor regulations
  • Manage payroll tax filings, payments, W-2s, and other required reporting
  • Serve as the escalation point for complex payroll inquiries and issue resolution
  • Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, and system efficiency
  • Working with Accounting on monthly payroll and auditing of payrolls
  • Support internal and external payroll audits and compliance reviews
  • Provide internal and external communication to communicate clear deadlines to both vendors and internal teams
• Client Service and Stakeholder Engagement
  • Maintain standing relationship and partner closely with People Operations team to ensure pay structure for all team members are accurate
  • Ability to work cross functionally with internal GumGum teams to ensure timely payroll processing
  • Serve as the main point of contact and support for any employee related payroll & 401K questions and inquiries, responding to internal clients in a timely manner
  • Maintain a customer-first mindset, relentlessly seeking solutions for our clients (both internal and external)
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations
  • The Payroll Specialist will also handle additional payroll related activities that may be needed for quarterly and end of year reporting
  • Other duties, projects and ad hoc requests as assigned

Skills You'll Bring

• BA degree preferred but not required; relevant certifications may be substituted
• Minimum of 5+ years of previous payroll experience in a fast-paced multi-state
• Previous experience with ADP Workforce Now or other HRIS Platforms
• Strong knowledge of payroll tax laws and wage and hour regulations required
• High attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills
• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel required
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism
• Collaboration across HR, Accounting & Finance partners

What We Offer

At GumGum, competitive base pay is a part of a total rewards package which also includes benefits, an emphasis on recognition, development, and wellness. The reasonable estimated base pay range for this role is from $65,000- $80,500 annually. The actual amount may be higher or lower. Individual compensation will vary based on factors including, but not limited to, relevant qualifications, work location, and labor market conditions.

The total rewards package offered also includes an employer-matched 401(k) retirement plan, and depending on the role, participation in a bonus, commission, or stock incentive program. Your recruiter can share more specifics during the hiring process. Learn more about our U.S. benefits & perks package at gumgum.com/benefits.

Awards

• 2025 & 2026 Digiday Media Awards Europe Best Contextual Targeting Offering
• 2025 AdExchanger Awards AI Innovators, Technology & Service Provider, Finalist
• 2025 MARKETECH APAC Marketing Technology Awards Silver Winner for Best Contextual Advertising Tech Platform