Payroll Manager
linkedinSan Diego, CA
$84,000 per yearAPPLY NOW
Payroll Manager
linkedinSan Diego, CA
today
Occupations
Payroll and Timekeeping ClerksCompensation and Benefits ManagersGeneral and Operations Managers$84,000 per year
APPLY NOWAbout the role
About the Position:
As Payroll Manager, you will own and lead our U.S. payroll function and serve as the internal subject matter expert for Workday Payroll. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing while managing payroll systems, controls, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives. Working closely with our external payroll support team, you will transition payroll knowledge and processes in-house before assuming full ownership of payroll operations, including Workday administration, reconciliations, issue resolution, compliance, and reporting. This is a hands-on role without direct people management responsibilities, requiring both payroll expertise and a process improvement mindset. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working directly in Workday, investigating exceptions, reconciling payroll-to-GL activity, documenting procedures, and strengthening controls to build a scalable, efficient, and sustainable payroll operation. You will partner closely with HR, Finance, and Accounting to ensure payroll processes support business objectives and deliver exceptional employee experience.
Responsibilities:
Payroll Operations
Own end-to-end payroll processing for U.S. entities, ensuring accurate and timely payroll execution.
Manage payroll reviews, approvals, off-cycle payments, corrections, and bonuses.
Resolve payroll issues and partner with HR, Finance, Benefits, and Treasury on payroll matters.
Workday Payroll Ownership
Serve as the Workday Payroll SME and system owner.
Maintain payroll configurations, reports, integrations, and business processes.
Lead troubleshooting, testing, enhancements, and payroll process automation.
Payroll Controls & Compliance
Maintain strong payroll controls, audits, approvals, and reconciliations.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
Coordinate payroll tax filings, reporting, and issue resolution with vendors and internal teams.
Payroll-to-GL & Reconciliation
Own payroll-to-GL reconciliations and payroll accounting accuracy.
Investigate and resolve payroll, tax, and ledger discrepancies.
Partner with Accounting to improve automation and efficiency of payroll journal entries.
Reporting & Analytics
Develop and maintain payroll validation, variance, and exception reporting.
Monitor timecard compliance and coordinate issue resolution.
Deliver payroll metrics and reporting to HR and Finance leadership.
Documentation & Business Continuity
Maintain payroll documentation, procedures, and the Payroll Playbook.
Ensure payroll processes and Workday configurations are fully documented.
Establish cross-training and backup coverage to support business continuity.
Process Improvement
Drive payroll process optimization, automation, and scalability.
Reduce manual work and leverage Workday functionality whenever possible.
Manage external payroll and Workday resources as needed to support growth and specialized initiatives.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field required
Five years of progressive payroll experience, including ownership of complex U.S. payroll operations
Experience independently running or owning an end-to-end payroll cycle
Experience with payroll-to-GL integrations and payroll accounting mappings Desired Qualifications
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) Designation
Three years of hands-on experience with Workday Payroll
Experience supporting payroll operations in a multi-entity, manufacturing, technology, or other complex business environment
Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, organizational integrations, or business restructuring initiatives. You Should Know
Salary Range:
$84,000 – 112,000 + benefits
Work mode is fully onsite in San Diego, CA
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JOB OVERVIEW
Salary
$84,000 per year
Experience level
Lead
Location
San Diego, CA
Occupation
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
Industry
Payroll Services
Posted
today
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