Payroll Manager

Job Title: Payroll ManagerLocation: City of Industry, CA | OnsiteEmployment Type: Direct HireSchedule: Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | OT as neededCompensation: $100,000 to $135,000 annually DOEJob Summary:The Payroll Manager oversees all aspects of payroll operations for a multi-state organization, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, payroll tax compliance, regulatory reporting, and payroll system administration. This hands-on role independently manages payroll activities while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and supporting efficient payroll operations across the organization. The ideal candidate has extensive payroll experience, advanced knowledge of the UKG payroll system, strong analytical and organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.Key Responsibilities:Manage the complete payroll process for all U.S. employees, ensuring timely and accurate processing of regular, off-cycle, bonus, commission, and final payrollsAudit payroll transactions to ensure accuracy of earnings, deductions, taxes, garnishments, benefits, and time reporting while maintaining payroll records and employee payroll filesEnsure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws and process employee status changes including new hires, promotions, transfers, leaves of absence, and terminationsManage payroll tax filings, prepare quarterly and annual tax reconciliations, process year-end payroll activities including W-2 preparation and distribution, and respond to payroll tax notices and discrepanciesEnsure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, maintain required reporting, and stay current on payroll legislation and regulatory changesAdminister multi-state payroll operations by establishing payroll tax accounts in new states, managing state registrations and unemployment insurance accounts, and ensuring proper taxation for employees working across multiple jurisdictionsPerform payroll reconciliations for each payroll cycle, prepare month-end payroll journal entries and account reconciliations, complete quarter-end payroll reconciliations and reporting, and partner with Finance to support month-end and year-end close activitiesAssist with internal and external audits by providing payroll documentation and supporting schedulesServe as the primary administrator for the UKG payroll system by maintaining system configuration and employee master data, troubleshooting system issues, coordinating with vendors, implementing payroll process improvements and system enhancements, and developing payroll procedures and documentationRespond to employee payroll inquiries in a timely and professional manner, resolve payroll discrepancies and complex payroll issues, and educate employees regarding payroll processes, deductions, and tax withholdingsQualificationsRequired:Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent payroll experienceMinimum of 7-10 years of progressive payroll experience, including managing multi-state payroll operationsHands-on experience processing payroll using UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group)Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, FLSA, garnishments, and payroll complianceExperience managing payroll tax registrations, establishing payroll operations in new states, preparing quarterly tax filings, year-end reporting, and W-2 processingAdvanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, lookups, and payroll reconciliationsAbility to manage confidential information with the highest level of integrityAbility to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environmentExcellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skillsAbility to work in an office environment using standard office equipmentAbility to sit for extended periods while working on a computerOccasionally lift up to 20 poundsPreferred:Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designationExperience supporting manufacturing, logistics, distribution, or transportation organizationsExperience integrating payroll with HRIS and timekeeping systemsExperience with payroll audits and SOX/internal control environmentsSkills/Abilities:Payroll compliance and multi-state payroll administrationPayroll tax expertise and UKG payroll system administrationFinancial reconciliation and process improvementStrong analytical thinking and attention to detailExcellent customer service, time management, and independent decision-making skillsAbility to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive payroll information with discretionExperience coordinating with 401(k) and retirement plan vendors/administratorsPre-employment Requirements:Successful completion of a drug screen and background check