Payroll Manager

Vaco

San Diego, CA(remote)

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$95,000–$125,000 Per Year
SKILLS
Behavioral Health, Best Practices, Business Support, Communication Skills, Cross-Functional, Detail Oriented, Federal Laws and Regulations, Finance, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Payroll Administration, Payroll Management, Payroll Software/Services, Payroll Tax, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Reconciliation, Regulations, State Laws and Regulations, Worker's Compensation, Workforce Planning
LOCATION
San Diego, CA
POSTED
3 days ago

Title: Payroll Manager
Company Industry: Healthcare / Behavioral Health
Compensation: $95,000-$125,000
Location: Remote (strong preference for someone based out of CA)

A client of ours is seeking a Payroll Manager to lead end to end payroll operations in a multi site, high touch environment. This role reports to the Controller and owns the full payroll function, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness across all payroll related activities. The organization operates 24/7 with a primarily hourly workforce of approximately 200 employees.

This is a hands on leadership role requiring someone confident, detail oriented, and able to operate independently while navigating cross functional dynamics.

Key Responsibilities
• Own full cycle payroll processing including regular, bonus, off cycle, terminations, and special payments
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations with a strong emphasis on California payroll laws
• Manage payroll tax filings, garnishments, audits, W 2s, and year end processes
• Oversee 401k contributions including deductions, remittance, and reconciliations
• Partner closely with HR, Finance, and leadership to resolve payroll issues and improve processes
• Administer and optimize Paylocity and related payroll systems
• Produce payroll and labor reporting to support business decisions and workforce planning
• Support workers compensation reporting and annual audits
• Handle escheatment processes and regulatory inquiries
• Train managers on timekeeping, approvals, and payroll related workflows
• Identify and implement process improvements and ensure best practices

Qualifications
• 5+ years of hands on payroll experience required
• Deep expertise in California payroll compliance
• Experience managing multi site payroll environments
• Strong proficiency with Paylocity or similar payroll systems
• High level of accuracy, discretion, and attention to detail
• Ability to operate independently, think critically, and push back when needed
• Strong communication skills with the ability to navigate cross functional challenges

This role is best suited for a true payroll professional who wants full ownership of the function and can step into a visible, high impact position without needing significant oversight.

About the Company

V

Vaco

Vaco provides expert consulting, permanent placement, executive search and strategic staffing for companies around the world, in the areas of accounting, finance, technology, healthcare, operations, administration and more. As a premier talent solutions firm, Vaco connects people to their dream jobs and helps leading companies find talent to grow their business. Since its founding in 2002, Vaco has grown to more than 35 offices across the globe, 700+ employees, more than 3,000 consultants and $450M in revenue. Vaco has been named to Inc. magazine’s list of the fastest-growing private companies for past 11 years and is dedicated to developing long-term relationships, life-long careers and creative client solutions.
COMPANY SIZE
2,500 to 4,999 employees
INDUSTRY
Staffing/Employment Agencies
FOUNDED
2002
WEBSITE
http://www.vaco.com/