Payroll Manager

Payroll Manager

Own the Payroll Function | Multi-State Payroll | High-Visibility Role

Are you a payroll professional who enjoys ownership, autonomy, and being the go-to expert? We're seeking a Payroll Manager to take full responsibility for payroll operations across a multi-state employee population. This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives in a hands-on environment, values accuracy and compliance, and wants to play a key role within a collaborative accounting and HR team.

As the organization's payroll subject matter expert, you'll oversee the full payroll lifecycle while partnering with Accounting and HR leadership to ensure a seamless employee experience and strong payroll controls.

• Own and manage the full payroll process for approximately 100 employees across multiple states
• Process weekly payroll, including regular, off-cycle, and manual payroll runs
• Audit timecards, earnings, deductions, and payroll data for accuracy
• Manage payroll deductions including benefits, 401(k), garnishments, and other with holdings
• Coordinate payroll tax reporting, compliance, and year-end activities, including W-2 processing
• Maintain payroll records and respond to employee payroll-related inquiries
• Perform payroll reconciliations and ensure alignment with accounting records
• Support ACA administration and benefits-related payroll activities
• Maintain compliance with payroll regulations, tax requirements, and internal controls
• Partner with Accounting and HR leadership on payroll improvements, controls, and reporting
• Serve as the primary resource for payroll policies, systems, and best practices
• Assist with audits and support SOX compliance initiatives

• 5+ years of end-to-end payroll experience
• Strong multi-state payroll processing experience
• Experience managing payroll independently with minimal supervision
• Knowledge of payroll taxes, garnishments, benefits deductions, and 401(k) administration
• Strong auditing, reconciliation, and problem-solving skills
• Experience with payroll reporting, year-end processing, and compliance requirements
• Comfortable working within payroll and timekeeping systems;
  Dayforce experience strongly preferred
• Experience with Epicor or similar timekeeping platforms is a plus
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy

• Be the payroll leader and subject matter expert for the organization
• High level of ownership and visibility across the business
• Partner directly with Accounting and HR leadership
• Opportunity to improve payroll processes and strengthen controls
• Collaborative, close-knit team environment
• Competitive benefits package, employer retirement contributions, and bonus potential
• Long-term, direct-hire opportunity with a stable and growing organization

This is a Permanent position based out of Carlsbad, CA.

The pay range for this position is $75000.00 - $85000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

• Competitive benefits package
• Employer retirement contributions
• Bonus potential

• Competitive compensation package
• Comprehensive benefits program
• Retirement contribution program
• Bonus opportunity
• Stable, team-oriented work environment
• Long-term growth opportunity within a successful organization

This is a fully onsite position in Carlsbad,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 2026.

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence.

With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to…