Payroll Manager; Los Angeles

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to oversee the Firm's payroll operations in a complex multi-state environment and serve as a strategic partner to Finance, Talent Management and Firm leadership. This is an exceptional opportunity for a payroll professional who thrives on ownership, accuracy, problem-solving and continuous improvement. The role is hybrid (onsite 2+ days per week), based in the Finance department in the Firm’s Los Angeles office.

The Payroll Manager is responsible for all aspects of payroll administration for a national law firm, ensuring compliance, operational excellence and an outstanding employee experience.

We are seeking a payroll professional who views payroll as a critical business function and takes pride in delivering accurate, timely and compliant payroll services while continuously improving processes and controls. The ideal candidate combines technical payroll expertise with strong business judgment, exceptional service skills and a commitment to operational excellence. This is a hands‑on leadership role with end‑to‑end responsibility for payroll operations across the Firm, including oversight of a Payroll Analyst.

The salary range for the position of Payroll Manager at Nossaman is $125,000 to $130,000 annually. The successful candidate’s salary for this position is reasonably expected to be set within this range. However, actual compensation will depend on a variety of factors, including, without limitation, the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

• Manage and process all Firm payrolls, including biweekly and monthly payrolls, partner distributions, bonus payrolls, off‑cycle payments and final pay calculations
• Ensure payroll is processed accurately, timely and in compliance with federal, state and local regulations
• Research, troubleshoot and resolve payroll discrepancies and complex payroll issues
• Review and audit payroll data, year‑to‑date balances, employee records, tax with holdings and payroll adjustments
• Administer and oversee complex payroll transactions and special processing scenarios, including unique compensation payments, employee‑specific payroll arrangements and other non‑routine payroll activities requiring independent analysis and resolution
• Maintain payroll schedules, deduction records, garnishments and other payroll‑related transactions
• Supervise and support payroll Analyst, providing day‑to‑day direction, quality control, workload coordination, cross‑training and knowledge sharing to ensure accurate, timely and compliant payroll processing and adequate business continuity

• Serve as the Firm's payroll systems expert, with primary responsibility for ADP Workforce Now
• Maintain payroll‑related data within the Firm's HRIS and ensure the integrity and accuracy of employee records
• Lead payroll setup, testing and configuration activities associated with new entities, company codes, organizational changes and other payroll expansion initiatives
• Monitor payroll‑related integrations and data feeds to ensure accurate information flow between systems
• Identify and implement process improvements, automation opportunities and best practices to enhance efficiency and accuracy
• Create, maintain and continuously improve payroll procedures, process documentation and desk manuals to support consistency, knowledge transfer and operational continuity
• Partner with Finance and Talent Management leadership on payroll‑related projects and system enhancements
• Reconcile payroll activity to the general ledger and partner closely with Accounting to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting
• Maintain and validate payroll earnings, deductions, taxes, benefits and partner distribution codes,…