Payroll Lead​/Supervisor

As the leading transit bus manufacturer in the United States, GILLIG buses play a critical role in the environmental and social initiatives in communities across our nation. GILLIG is on the forefront in the transition to zero‑emission vehicles and has an unmatched reputation in the industry for quality, reliability, durability, service, and support. From initial design through final assembly, each GILLIG bus is designed and built in Livermore, CA.

• Leader in environmentally friendly mobility solutions including battery electric, hybrid electric, near‑zero CNG and clean diesel transit buses
• Renowned for its inclusive team/family‑oriented culture
• Stable, successful, and growing organization – a Bay Area business for over 132 years!
• Flexible schedules (depending on project needs)
• Excellent compensation including company paid medical premiums, generous retirement plan and other comprehensive benefits

We are looking for an experienced temporary Payroll Lead/Supervisor to oversee and execute end‑to‑end payroll operations during a critical period of stabilization and optimization. This role is hands‑on and highly visible, with responsibility for ensuring payroll accuracy, compliance and system effectiveness across the organization.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in SAP Success Factors Employee Central Payroll, UKG Time & Attendance (Kronos) and advanced Excel to support payroll analysis, reconciliations, audits and reporting.

Your ultimate goal will be to maintain compliance, streamline payroll procedures for efficiency and stay current with payroll regulations and best practices. As the Payroll Lead, you will play a vital role in safeguarding the financial well‑being of the organization and ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time.

This is an on‑site, temporary position at our Livermore, CA Headquarters and reports to the Director of Human Resources.

• Lead and manage end‑to‑end payroll processing for hourly and salaried employees
• Oversee and direct corporate payroll procedures, ensuring timely and accurate payroll execution
• Research and ensure compliance with federal, state and local wage and hour laws, garnishments, deductions (SUI, SDI, etc.), earnings and tax regulations
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge of all payroll‑related laws and regulations, including multi‑state payroll and taxation
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll updates, including new hires, terminations, merit increases, pay rate changes and manual/off‑cycle checks
• Resolve complex payroll issues, including retro pay, corrections, garnishments and adjustments
• Oversee payroll audits, reconciliations, tax filings and year‑end activities (e.g., W‑2s)

• Serve as a subject matter expert for SAP Success Factors Employee Central Payroll
• Support payroll integrations and data accuracy between UKG Time & Attendance (Kronos) and Success Factors
• Implement, maintain and review payroll processing systems (timekeeping, HRIS, payroll) to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Lead payroll data analysis, reconciliations and audits using advanced Excel (pivot tables, complex formulas, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, data validation)
• Maintain accurate payroll records and reports
• Identify, recommend and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy and internal controls

• Collaborate closely with HR, HRIS and Finance to draft and maintain payroll procedures and compliance documentation
• Partner with Finance and tax teams to support payroll tax setup for new states (e.g., EDD, SUI, state tax registrations)
• Manage all payroll‑related audits and financial reporting requirements in collaboration with Finance and external auditors
• Act as a lead for payroll staff (depending on level), providing guidance, training and oversight
• Support HR and business leaders with payroll reporting, insights and issue resolution
• Assist with company events and HR programs as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting or related field;…