Job Description
Payroll Manager
Welcome to Gelson’s! For almost 75 years, Gelson’s has served Southern California shoppers with an enthusiasm for food of the highest quality. Our commitment to quality, selection and exceptional service sets us apart. We strive to exceed our customers’ expectations with every visit, and we take pride in creating a positive shopping experience.
We are currently searching for a Payroll Manager to lead our Payroll Department! You will be based out of our Fe Springs corporate office.
Come join the Gelson’s team and help us continue our tradition of excellence in grocery retail.
Why work with us:
- Join a collaborative, high-performing team where payroll is viewed as a strategic partner, not just a function
- Be part of a culture that values accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement
- Leverage your payroll and compliance expertise to drive process efficiency and support employees across the organization
- Work for an organization committed to building an inclusive, supportive workplace that invests in its people and professional growth
Benefits:
- We offer competitive wages
- Generous employee discounts
- Exceptional benefit programs and a strong retirement plan
- Opportunities for career growth and development
What you will do:
The Payroll Manager is responsible for the strategic oversight, administration, and execution of all payroll operations, ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely processing across a complex workforce that includes union and non-union employees. This role serves as the organization’s subject matter expert for payroll compliance, wage and hour regulations, collective bargaining agreement (CBA) application, and confidential employee financial data.
In addition to leading payroll operations, the Payroll Manager administers the company’s 401(k) and deferred compensation programs, ensuring compliance with ERISA requirements, regulatory filings, and fiduciary best practices. This position requires a high degree of initiative, analytical rigor, discretion, and cross-functional partnership with Human Resources, Finance, IT, external vendors, and regulatory agencies.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Payroll Operations & Compliance
- Oversee end-to-end weekly payroll processing for union and non-union employees, including confidential and executive payrolls.
- Ensure payroll systems and processes remain compliant with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, CBAs, and regulatory requirements.
- Validate and reconcile payroll taxable wages, accruals, deductions, and general ledger entries.
- Prepare and submit all required payroll tax filings and deposits, including weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual filings (e.g., 941, 940, FUTA, SUI, EDD, SSA).
- Analyze payroll data for fluctuations, trends, and anomalies; investigate and resolve discrepancies proactively.
- Lead year-end payroll processing, including W-2 preparation, validation, distribution, and government filings.
- Track and implement statutory changes such as minimum wage adjustments, premium pay rules, tip taxation, and regulatory updates impacting payroll.
Union Payroll & Benefit Administration
- Ensure accurate processing of union dues, benefit contributions, pension payments, and vacation funds in accordance with CBAs.
- Maintain and oversee apprentice program hours, wage rates, and weekly processing.
- Process mass rate changes resulting from collective bargaining agreement renewals.
- Lead audits related to union benefits, pension plans, and payroll compliance.
401(k) & Deferred Compensation Administration
- Administer the company’s 401(k) and deferred compensation plans, including eligibility, contributions, loan processing, distributions, and compliance testing.
- Submit timely and accurate contribution files to plan recordkeepers.
- Coordinate annual compliance testing, Form 5500 preparation, and third-party audits.
- Serve as a key liaison with plan administrators, auditors, and benefits partners.
- Ensure confidential handling of all retirement plan data and fiduciary documentation.
Systems, Controls & Process Improvement
- Oversee payroll systems, interfaces, and integrations to ensure accuracy, reliability, and data integrity.
- Partner with IT and vendors (e.g., UKG) to resolve system issues and implement enhancements.
- Identify process gaps, control weaknesses, and inefficiencies; design and implement improvements aligned with best practices.
- Lead payroll-related projects driven by regulatory changes, system upgrades, or organizational initiatives.
- Ensure strong internal controls and segregation of duties across payroll operations.
Leadership, Collaboration & Support
- Provide leadership, guidance, and technical expertise to payroll staff and cross-functional partners.
- Support HR and Accounting teams with payroll data, reporting, budgeting, and audits.
- Prepare payroll-related budgets for non-union and salaried personnel.
- Respond to complex payroll inquiries with professionalism, discretion, and accuracy.
Qualifications:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.
- Equivalent experience may be considered.
Experience:
- Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive payroll experience, including multi-city, union and non-union environments.
- At least three (3) years in a leadership or senior payroll role.
- Experience administering 401(k) and deferred compensation plans required.
- Retail or grocery industry experience strongly preferred.
Technical:
- Advanced knowledge of payroll operations, wage and hour laws, tax compliance, ERISA requirements, and union payroll administration.
- Strong proficiency with payroll and HRIS platforms (e.g., UKG), Excel, and financial reporting tools.
How to Apply:
Apply today and take the first step toward a rewarding career with one of Southern California’s most respected grocery chains. We are committed to fostering a friendly and inclusive work environment. Gelson’s is an equal opportunity employer and encourages individuals from all backgrounds to apply.
Salary Range: $90,000 - $110,000
