Job Description

Payroll Manager

Vallejo, California | Hybrid, 3 days in office | $120,000 to $140,000 base plus cash bonus

We are partnering with a private equity-backed, multi-state company to hire a Payroll Manager. Reporting directly to the Chief People Officer, you’ll own payroll end to end for a national workforce with a large California population, running on UKG.

The company is investing in its payroll and HR functions, and you’ll set up the processes, controls and systems the way they should be done. It’s a hands-on seat with real ownership, a direct line to leadership and room to grow as the company scales.

Why this role

• A leader worth working for. The Chief People Officer knows payroll, respects how much goes into getting it right, and makes a point of clearing obstacles so you can focus on what matters.
• Trusted as the expert. No micromanaging. You’ll be the go-to on payroll and given the room to run it well.
• Room to build. You’ll design the controls, SOPs and automation from the ground up.
• Ownership of the system. You’ll be the UKG expert, driving configuration, integrations and self-service.
• Direct access, no layers. It’s a lean team, so you’ll work directly with HR and Finance leadership. When a process needs to change, you can get it changed.
• M&A experience. You’ll be brought in early on acquisitions, from diligence through bringing new teams onto payroll.
• Scope that can grow. If you want to stretch beyond payroll, you’ll get exposure to HR, accounting and finance as the company grows.

What you’ll own

• Running biweekly payroll for a national workforce, so people are paid accurately and on time
• All pay types, from bonuses and commissions to incentive and retention payouts
• Payroll compliance in California and every other state the company operates in, including year-end and W-2s
• Getting more out of UKG, from pay rules and time tracking to reporting and integrations with accounting, benefits and the 401(k)
• Building the playbook: controls, SOPs and automation that cut out manual work
• Partnering with Accounting on month-end close and audits
• Bringing acquired teams onto payroll, from diligence to their first paycheck

What you bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or a related field, or equivalent experience
• 7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including 3+ years managing a payroll function or team
• Deep, hands-on knowledge of California wage and hour and payroll rules for a large hourly, non-exempt workforce
• Multi-state payroll and tax experience at a company with 600+ employees, or comparable complexity
• Strong payroll accounting skills, including GL entries, accruals and reconciliations
• Advanced Excel

Nice to have

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
• Hands-on UKG Pro, UKG Ready or UKG Dimensions experience (or UltiPro and Kronos), including configuration and reporting
• Paylocity experience
• Private equity-backed or high-growth company experience, including acquisition integration

Compensation and benefits

• Base salary of $120,000 to $140,000, plus a cash bonus, with final pay based on experience and skills
• Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) and paid time off
• Hybrid schedule, three days a week