Manager Payroll

PAQ, Inc. is committed to building a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work. We believe diverse perspectives and experiences strengthen our organization and drive better outcomes for our customers and communities. The Payroll Manager oversees PAQ, Inc.’s payroll operations and payroll team, ensuring payroll is processed accurately, timely, and in compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour regulations.

This role is responsible for payroll processing oversight, payroll system controls, employee pay-related inquiries, payroll reporting, audit support, and continuous improvement of payroll procedures.

Manages, trains, develops, and supports payroll department staff to ensure accurate payroll processing, effective customer service, and compliance with company procedures. Oversees the daily workflow of the payroll department, including payroll calendars, processing deadlines, issue resolution, payroll review, and coordination with Human Resources, Finance, and Operations. Provides coaching, feedback, and timely performance evaluations for payroll department staff in accordance with company procedures.

Implements, maintains, and reviews payroll processing systems and internal controls to support timely and accurate payroll transactions, including regular wages, overtime, bonuses, benefits deductions, garnishments, payroll taxes, and other earnings or deductions. Ensures accurate and timely processing of payroll updates, including new hires, terminations, job changes, pay rate changes, direct deposit updates, tax elections, benefit deductions, and other employee payroll changes.

Prepares, reviews, and maintains accurate payroll records, reconciliations, audit files, and reports to support payroll processing, financial reporting, compliance, and management review. Ensures compliance with federal, California, state, and local payroll, wage and hour, tax, garnishment, and recordkeeping requirements, as well as company policies and payroll best practices. Facilitates internal and external audits by providing payroll records, reconciliations, reports, documentation, explanations, and follow-up support as requested.

Identifies and recommends updates to payroll processing software, system configurations, internal controls, procedures, training materials, and department workflows to improve accuracy, efficiency, compliance, and employee service. Responds to escalated payroll questions from employees, managers, Human Resources, and other departments; researches payroll issues; explains payroll calculations or adjustments; and ensures timely resolution of pay-related concerns. Oversees payroll-related timekeeping processes, including review of timecard submission, approval status, exception reporting, missed punches, meal period or overtime issues, and coordination with managers to resolve payroll-impacting discrepancies.

Coordinates payroll tax activities, including review of payroll tax data, agency notices, filings, deposits, amendments, and related communications with payroll vendors, tax agencies, and internal stakeholders. Partners with payroll vendors, HRIS resources, Finance, Human Resources, and Operations to troubleshoot system issues, test payroll changes, validate integrations, and support payroll-related projects or system implementations. Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support departmental and organizational objectives.

Extensive knowledge of the payroll function including preparation, balancing, internal controls, and payroll taxes. Proficiency with payroll and HRIS systems, including Workday and Dayforce, with the ability to adapt to and support the adoption of additional systems and technologies as business needs evolve. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word. Up-to-date knowledge of payroll regulations, tax laws, and compliance standards.

Strong supervisory and leadership skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills for addressing employee inquiries and collaborating with team members. Strong analytical…