GHJ

Payroll Manager

GHJ  •  Westwood, MA (Onsite)  •  18 days ago
Apply
AI can make mistakes so check important info. Chat history is never stored.

Job Description

GHJ Search & Staffing is working with a highly respected Los Angeles-based nonprofit educational organization is seeking a Payroll Manager / Accounting Specialist to join its Finance team. This newly created position offers the opportunity to take ownership of payroll operations as the organization transitions payroll in-house.

Reporting to the Controller and working closely with the CFO and Human Resources team, this role serves as the subject matter expert for all payroll-related functions while also supporting accounting operations, reconciliations, audits, and financial reporting activities.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll professional with a strong accounting foundation who enjoys working cross-functionally and making a meaningful impact within a mission-driven organization.

What You'll Do:

    Payroll Leadership

    • Manage and oversee the full payroll cycle for approximately 140-150 employees on a semi-monthly basis
    • Review and monitor employee timecards, approvals, missed punches, and payroll-related changes
    • Ensure payroll accuracy and compliance with federal, California state, and local regulations
    • Administer payroll-related deductions, garnishments, benefits, retirement contributions, leave programs, and tax reporting
    • Partner closely with Human Resources on new hires, terminations, employee changes, and payroll-related inquiries
    • Prepare payroll audits, quarterly reporting, reconciliations, and compliance documentation
    • Serve as the primary payroll resource for employees, managers, and leadership
    • Accounting & Finance Support

      • Prepare payroll-related journal entries and account reconciliations
      • Assist with month-end close activities and financial reporting
      • Support annual audits and special accounting projects
      • Reconcile benefit invoices and retirement plan contributions
      • Collaborate with Accounting and HR to strengthen internal controls and improve payroll processes

What They're Looking For:

    • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
    • 5+ years of accounting experience
    • 2+ years of hands-on payroll processing experience
    • Strong knowledge of California payroll laws and regulations
    • Experience managing payroll compliance, taxes, garnishments, and employee benefits
    • Experience preparing payroll journal entries and reconciliations
    • Excellent communication and employee service skills
    • Strong Excel and HRIS/payroll system experience
    • Ability to work independently while collaborating across departments

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Paylocity experience
  • Nonprofit or educational institution experience
  • Experience with 403(b) retirement plans
  • Knowledge of FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, and workers' compensation administration

Why Join:

  • Newly created role with significant ownership and visibility
  • Direct partnership with senior leadership, including the CFO and Controller
  • Mission-driven organization with a collaborative culture
  • Primarily remote work environment with flexibility
  • Excellent healthcare benefits
  • Generous paid time off and holidays
  • 403(b) retirement plan and employer contributions
  • Opportunity to help build and improve payroll processes during an exciting transition
#GHJSS #LI-MO1
GHJ

About GHJ

At GHJ, we go beyond numbers. We are a national advisory and accounting firm committed to empowering our clients and team members to pursue their passions, grow thriving businesses and create a brighter future. Committeed to a hybrid and inclusive work culture with headquarters in Los Angeles and offices in San Jose, Buffalo and Denver, our 250+ professionals and over 20 partners serve clients across the U.S. and around the world.

We specialize in industries that shape the future — entertainment, food and beverage, media and advertising and nonprofit organizations — delivering tailored solutions that meet you where you are and help you get to where you want to be.

Recognized as a Most Innovative Firm, DEI-Focused Firm of the Year, Top 100 Firm, 7th Fastest-Growing Firm and a Best Firm to Work For, among others, GHJ stands out for innovation, diversity and a deep dedication to success — for clients and employees alike. Our collective strength comes from the diversity of perspectives, experiences and passions that drive our team to deliver exceptional service. Here, hybrid work is the norm, and diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) are not just part of our culture — they are how we thrive.

Through the GHJ Foundation, we support causes that matter by contributing time, talent and resources to uplift our communities.

Additionally, as a proud member of HLB International, a global network of independent advisory and accounting firms, GHJ connects you to expertise in over 150 countries. Whether your goals are local or global, we are here to help you achieve them.

Explore opportunities to grow with us — whether as a client or a team member — and discover how GHJ helps businesses and people everywhere #BeMore.

Industry
Accounting & Tax
Company Size
1,001-5,000 employees
Headquarters
Los Angeles, California
Year Founded
1953
Social Media