Payroll Manager in Millbrae, California

Payroll Manager

We are working with a growing organization seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to take ownership of payroll operations for a workforce of 500+ employees. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys owning the payroll function, improving processes, and serving as the internal subject matter expert for all things payroll. You'll work closely with HR, Finance, Accounting, and employees across the organization to ensure payroll is accurate, timely, compliant, and scalable as the company continues to grow.

What You'll Own

You'll oversee the end-to-end payroll process for 500+ employees, including payroll processing, review, reconciliations, reporting, and issue resolution. You'll also be responsible for maintaining strong controls and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local payroll requirements. Beyond running payroll, the company is looking for someone who can evaluate existing processes and identify ways to make the function more efficient. You'll partner closely with HR and Accounting on employee changes, benefits, compensation, payroll-related accounting, and month-end activities.

The Payroll Manager will also:

• Manage recurring payroll cycles from preparation through final approval
• Review payroll data for accuracy, including new hires, terminations, compensation changes, bonuses, deductions, and other employee changes
• Manage payroll tax compliance and coordinate federal, state, and local filings
• Oversee multi-state payroll requirements as applicable
• Handle payroll reconciliations and support payroll-related general ledger activity
• Partner with Accounting during month-end and year-end close
• Manage year-end payroll activities, including W-2 preparation and reconciliation
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee inquiries
• Maintain payroll policies, procedures, documentation, and internal controls
• Partner with HR on benefits, employee data, and HRIS/payroll system processes
• Support payroll audits and other compliance requirements
• Identify opportunities for automation and process improvement
• Serve as the primary payroll resource for employees and internal leadership

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone with 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including experience managing payroll for a mid-sized or larger employee population. Prior experience supporting 500+ employees is strongly preferred. The ideal candidate has strong knowledge of payroll regulations, taxes, wage and hour requirements, and multi-state payroll. You should be comfortable working independently, solving complex payroll issues, and taking ownership of the function from beginning to end.

Experience with major payroll/HRIS platforms such as ADP, UKG, Workday, Paycom, Paylocity, or similar systems is preferred. Advanced Excel skills and experience partnering with Accounting and HR teams are also highly valued. A bachelor's degree is preferred, and CPP certification is a plus but not required.

Why This Opportunity

This is an opportunity to own a critical function within an established and growing organization. You'll have visibility across Finance and HR, the ability to improve how payroll operates, and the autonomy to make a meaningful impact on a payroll environment supporting more than 500 employees.