Payroll Services Built for Santa Barbara Businesses

Looking for reliable payroll services in Santa Barbara or Goleta? We provide accurate, on time payroll services to businesses throughout Santa Barbara, Goleta, Montecito, Carpinteria, and California’s Central Coast. Our team manages payroll processing, tax filings, direct deposit, new hire reporting, and payroll compliance, helping businesses stay accurate, compliant, and on schedule every pay period. With HR and accounting expertise under the same roof, we provide a complete, hands on payroll solution you can count on.

Payroll, Done Right,

    • Invoice customers/ clients and record payments

    • Input vendor bills and pay vendors

    • Accrual accounting for prepaids and accruals

    • Retirement plan accounting and accruals for vacation and payroll liabilities

    • Fixed asset amortization and depreciation

    • Generate cash flow statement

  • • Hosted compliance trainings (live or zoom)

    • Quarterly & annual reporting

    • Fair pay strategy

    • End-to-end employee compliance reviews pre-funding

    • People analytics design and tracking

    • Cal Savers implementation

    • State Disability Leave

    • FLSA exemption review (employment types, contractors)

  • • Day 1 welcome & set up (single employee, employee class)

    • Build out multi-week training plans

    • Compliance training (harassment)

    • Introductory management programs

    • Leadership development programs

    • DiSC & behavioral assessments

    • Diversity, equity & inclusion training

    • Flexible payroll support tailored to your business needs, from backup assistance to full-service management.

    • Accurate and timely payroll processing to ensure employees are paid correctly and on schedule.

    • Proactive management of payroll functions to streamline operations and reduce administrative burden.

    • Comprehensive solutions that provide the expertise and efficiency of a fully staffed payroll department.

  • • I9 & legal document compliance

    • Handbook creation & annual updating (federal & state specific)

    • Unique policy creation to meet the industry and needs of your business

  • • Create hiring plans & strategy

    • Job descriptions

    • Job posting & maintenance

    • Free or paid sourcing tactics using Indeed, Glassdoor, local job boards, and more

    • Competitive pay strategy & structure

    • Manage candidate funnel

    • Oversee interview process & scheduling

    • Support outstanding candidate experience

    • Candidate negotiations

We do everything HR, Payroll, & Accounting for your business

  • • Advise on ad hoc employment situations

    • Conflict resolution

    • Situations requiring disciplinary action and dismissal

    • Downsizing planning; layoffs & furloughs

    • Unemployment claims

    • Employment & labor law advisement

    • Build progressive disciplinary processes

  • • Pulse and feedback surveys with leadership action plans

    • Wellbeing activities & programs

    • Introduce or implement diversity & inclusion programs and employee resource groups

    • Career ladders and job paths

    • Organizational change

    • Build out an internal HR function

  • • Payroll system implementation

    • Accounting system implementation (Quickbooks)

    • HRIS implementation

    • Employee data cleanup and compliance

    • Benefit system set up & administration

    • Monthly, quarterly, & annual employment reporting

  • • Headcount planning & growth projections

    • Build and implement performance management programs

    • Organizational communication

    • Design company objectives and goals (SMART, OKR, etc)

    • Outstanding change management

    • Ensure competitive and comprehensive benefits by working with your current broker or selecting a new one.

    • Negotiate low-cost rates and streamline benefit enrollment for a hassle-free experience.

    • Provide ongoing support, communication, and education to help employees make informed decisions.

    • Reconcile bank and credit card accounts

    • Review GL detail to ensure proper recording of transactions

    • Generate month-end financials (Income Statement and Balance Sheet)

    • Record payroll journal entries and reconcile to payroll reports

    • Proper accounting of expense reimbursements

    • Accounting of contractor payments and generate annual 1099s for contractors

    • Year-end reports for tax preparation

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Our success is tied to the success of our clients

  • “Rising Tide HR has so much off my plate allowing me to focus on actually running and growing my business. What I value most is the deep trust I have in their team; I know things are being handled correctly, thoughtfully, and with my company’s best interest at heart. They’re responsive, proactive, and truly feel like an extension of my leadership team.”

    Sarah Boe, CEO of Ritual Reform Pilates

  • “Now that I know the benefits of having Rising Tide HR as part my the team, I wouldn't start a company without them.”

    Adam Stager, CEO of TRIC Robotics

  • “Bringing in Rising Tide HR's services saved us weeks of work. They are incredible! Do not hesitate to get Rising Tide on board if you need a proper payroll, benefits, HR partner, etc. I cannot recommend them more!"

    Wayne Holder, Head of People Operations Solawave

  • “I've worked with a lot of service providers over the years and can confidently say that Rising Tide HR is at the top of my list!”

    Justin Holland, CEO of Sunday Carwash

  • “Working with Rising Tide HR has been an absolute pleasure. Their attention to detail is impeccable and they consistently meet all deadlines.”

    Russ Nuffer, CEO of GrowFit

  • "Morgen, Ashley, Aspa, and the Rising Tide team have been a game changer in all things HR. They’ve brought incredible clarity and strategy to the business and have truly helped elevate the company as a whole. On top of that, they are WONDERFUL to work with. Couldn't recommend them more!"

    Meathead Movers

  • “Rising Tide HR helped me to create a heartfelt but clear-cut Employee Handbook that articulates the finer points of the employer-employee relationships within my company.”

    Courtney Mellblom, CEO of Farmermaid Flowers

  • "As a business owner and a mom with a lot on my plate, having reliable support is essential. This company delivers on every level. Their expertise, responsiveness, and personal approach have given me peace of mind and allowed me to focus on growing my business and caring for my family. Their support has been consistent, compassionate, and incredibly helpful. I never feel like I'm doing this alone, they've truly become a trusted partner and I only wish I found them sooner!"

    Brianna Ash, CEO of Country Cottage Preschool

  • "Rising Tide HR was great to work with on our HR audit and employee handbook update. Rising Tide took a practical approach, focusing on the HR issues that matter most to us as a small organization, while also helping us think ahead as we grow. They were responsive, easy to work with, met our timelines, and clearly explained their recommendations. We look forward to working with them again in the future."

    San Luis Obispo County Housing Trust Fund

  • "As a small business owner, Morgen was able to work with me in the hiring process as well as advising and managing detailed aspects related to personnel. I would highly recommend Morgen and her team to assist with your business."

    Joseph Holifield, CEO of Holifield Psychological Services

  • "The Rising Tide HR team has been absolutely incredible to work with. Across the board, the team is responsive, professional, knowledgeable, and flexible. I began working with Rising Tide on a project that had very tight timelines and multiple stakeholders and the team delivered well over and above expectations at every step. I'm excited to continue working with them as they bring temendous value and expertise to our organization."

    Michael Joseph, CEO of Saturday Landscapes

  • "I am a raving fan of Rising Tide. I'm also the CEO of Meathead Movers and could not be more pleased with the entire rising tide team. All are smart, capable, responsive, professional and feel like they are truly part of our team. Employing 350 people in CA can be tricky but they make it easier and better. Highly recommend."

    Aaron Steed, CEO of Meathead Movers

Let’s Connect

Rising Tide HR has helped dozens of leaders streamline their HR operations. Are you curious about how we can do the same for your organization?

Send us a message, and we will respond within one business day. We look forward to connecting with you and partnering with you to achieve your business goals.

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Businesses We’ve Helped

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