Find Jobs
Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location
Skip to job details
CH
Cambridge HS
Payroll Manager
Career Insights for Payroll Manager
See where this job fits in the broader career landscape. Knowing your career path helps you see what's possible from here.
Scorecard
Based on California data
Review key factors to help you decide if this role fits your goals. How is this calculated?
What they do
A Payroll Manager manages payroll department operations and staff at a company or organization. Ensures that employee wages, salaries, benefits and deductions are calculated correctly, and that paychecks are distributed on time. Coordinates with human resources staff with regard to staff promotions and pay grades.
$119,464 / year median in California
-7% projected decline
Job Description
Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to oversee and execute payroll operations with a high level of accuracy, timeliness, and compliance. This role serves as the second-in-command to the Director of Payroll, with responsibility for supporting day-to-day operations and acting on behalf of the Director when needed. The position is critical to ensuring payroll continuity, regulatory compliance (including California wage and hour laws), and operational stability across multiple facilities. Key Responsibilities Payroll Operations Manage full-cycle payroll processing (bi-weekly or as applicable) for multi-site, multi-state employees Ensure accurate and timely payment of wages, including regular, overtime, bonuses, and off-cycle payments Review and process employee data changes, including new hires, terminations, pay rate changes, and status updates Process manual checks and ensure compliant final pay practices, including strict adherence to California final pay requirements Leadership & Coverage Serve as primary backup to the Director of Payroll, with authority to oversee payroll operations in their absence Assist in prioritization, escalation management, and decision-making for payroll-related issues Support training, guidance, and oversight of payroll staff to ensure consistency and accuracy Compliance & Risk Management Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including California wage and hour laws (overtime, meal/rest break premiums, final pay timing) Administer wage garnishments, levies, and child support orders in accordance with legal requirements Maintain payroll records in compliance with California record retention requirements Prepare and submit required government filings (e.g., EDD reporting, tax filings) accurately and on time Support internal and external audits (payroll tax, PBJ, workers' compensation, financial audits) Employee Support Respond to employee inquiries regarding pay, deductions, taxes, and withholdings in a timely and professional manner Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies or complaints, escalating issues as appropriate Reporting & Systems Prepare and analyze payroll reports for leadership, finance, and HR Ensure integrity of payroll data within HRIS systems (UKG Pro/WFM or equivalent) Partner with HR, Finance, and IT to improve payroll processes, controls, and system functionality Process Improvement Identify inefficiencies and implement improvements to increase accuracy, compliance, and scalability Establish and maintain internal controls to mitigate payroll-related risks Qualifications Minimum of 3 years of payroll experience, including multi-state payroll administration Prior leadership or supervisory experience required Strong working knowledge of federal and California payroll laws and tax regulations Experience in healthcare, skilled nursing, or long-term care environments preferred Proficiency in payroll systems such as UKG Pro and Workforce Management (WFM) or similar platforms Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field preferred Core Competencies High level of accuracy and attention to detail Strong organizational and time management skills Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment Sound judgment and problem-solving ability Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex payroll matters Ability to work independently while supporting team leadership High level of discretion and confidentiality Compensation (California Pay Transparency - 90620 Market)