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 and Workforce Management)
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)
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications
Bachelors 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
Compliance & Work Environment Notes
This role requires strict adherence to California wage and hour laws, including final pay timing, overtime calculations, and required
Recordkeeping
Payroll errors in California carry financial penalties; timely and accurate processing is essential
Position may require extended hours during payroll cycles, audits, and year-end processing
Numbers & Facts
Location
Buena Park, CA
Salary
$95,000–$120,000
Skills
Accountingunmatched
Analysis Skillsunmatched
Business Administrationunmatched
Check Processingunmatched
Child Supportunmatched
Communication Skillsunmatched
Data Processingunmatched
Data Qualityunmatched
Detail Orientedunmatched
Establish Prioritiesunmatched
External Auditunmatched
Financeunmatched
Financial Auditunmatched
HRIS/HRMSunmatched
Healthcareunmatched
Internal Auditunmatched
Leadershipunmatched
Long-Term Careunmatched
Maintain Complianceunmatched
Microsoft Excelunmatched
Microsoft Officeunmatched
Multitaskingunmatched
Nursingunmatched
Organizational Skillsunmatched
Payroll Administrationunmatched
Payroll Managementunmatched
Payroll Software/Servicesunmatched
Payroll Taxunmatched
Performance Reviewsunmatched
Process Improvementunmatched
Record Keepingunmatched
Regulatory Complianceunmatched
Regulatory Requirementsunmatched
Risk Managementunmatched
Tax Regulationsunmatched
Team Lead/Managerunmatched
Time Managementunmatched
Workforce Managementunmatched
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