Payroll Manager

Description Robert Half is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager/ Consultant to support our organization in overseeing a payroll system implementation on a long-term approximately 2 years contract basis. The ideal Payroll Manager candidate will bring proven expertise in California public sector payroll administration, ensuring compliance with state and local labor laws, collective bargaining with the ability to collaborate across departments and provide guidance on best practices. Prior public sector, school, education industry experience a must have. This role will be located onsite in Downey, CA.

Key Responsibilities:

Manage end-to-end payroll processing for public sector employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance Ensure compliance with California labor laws, union agreements, and public agency reporting requirements. Serve as a subject matter expert for payroll practices, advising leadership on policies, procedures, and regulatory updates. payroll systems, generating reports and audits as needed. Manage employee inquiries and resolve payroll issues promptly and effectively. Partner with Finance, Legal, and other departments to streamline processes and maintain accurate documentation. Supervise payroll staff and provide training, mentorship, and performance feedback.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field (Master's preferred). Minimum 5+ years of payroll management experience, with at least 3 years in a California public sector environment (city, county, state, special district, or education agency). Strong knowledge of CalPERS, CalSTRS, FLSA, and California wage and hour laws. Experience with collective bargaining agreements and union negotiations preferred. Proficiency in payroll (e.g., PeopleSoft, ADP, Workday, SAP, Tyler Munis). Excellent organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage confidential information. Strong leadership skills and ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• At least 5 years of payroll management experience, including 3 years in a California public sector environment ( must have)
• In-depth knowledge of California wage and hour laws, CalPERS, CalSTRS, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Experience with payroll systems such as PeopleSoft, Workday, or Tyler Munis.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with the ability to handle confidential information responsibly.
• Proven leadership abilities and capability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Familiarity with union negotiations and collective bargaining processes is preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate across departments and resolve payroll issues.

Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app) and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more. Robert Half will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information. © 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking "," you're agreeing to Robert Half's Terms of Use (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms) and Privacy Notice (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/privacy) .