Payroll Manager

Our successful and growing client is looking for a Payroll Manager to be responsible for processing multistate payroll for approximately 300 employees on ADP Workforce Now. They are looking for someone with a CPP and a high level of attention to detail. This job will report to their Controller and work onsite in their Palo Alto office 3 days a week.

The primary function of the Global Payroll Manager is to perform and oversee payroll for all company operations. This collaborative role works closely with HR and Accounting teams. We are looking for a Global Payroll Manager with keen attention to detail to help drive process improvements. The role is focused on payroll and performance bonus related transactions and therefore requires a detail oriented person with a high level of discretion in managing confidential compensation data.

• Own end-to-end payroll processing for all global entities and employee populations, including full‑time employees, contractors, and international transfers.
• Ensure timely, accurate payroll processing across multiple jurisdictions. Review all payroll transactions, including salary changes, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and any other earnings or deductions related to payroll.
• Ensure benefit premiums are calculating correctly and audit flexible spending account and 401K deposits.
• Perform monthly, quarterly, and yearly close processes, including preparation of journal entries, and payroll account reconciliations. Support monthly close cycle timelines.
• Prepare, review, submit, or adjust payroll entries for approval and posting.
• Perform tax research on a variety of federal and state issues as needed, including during acquisitions of new states.
• Manage audits for Workers Compensation, 401K Plan and other annual financial audits.
• Provides information for monthly key performance indicators and any other ad‑hoc reports needed.
• Assist in ad‑hoc analysis of data.
• Complete other accounting/payroll duties as assigned.
• Reconciles and reviews payroll reports and provides data for related general ledger accounts.
• Seeks operational improvements aimed at service performance and enhanced cost effectiveness in collaboration with HR.
• Provides strategic guidance to Management regarding potential improvements to payroll policies and procedures. Work closely with the administrator that manages the compliance of the third‑party payroll provider.
• Provide training to new hires on the payroll process.
• Provide internal customer support to employees for any payroll related questions.
• Provide support to the Legal team for any employment related matters.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field required.
• Certified Payroll Professional credential required.
• Prior experience and proficiency with ADP Workforce Now is required.
• A minimum of eight (8) years’ experience processing multi‑state payroll is required.
• Use of integrated ERP software (Net Suite experience preferred).
• Prior experience supporting audits for Workers Compensation, 401K Plan, and other annual financial audits.
• Demonstrates ability to work independently and in a team environment. Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Self‑starter with a positive outlook and motivated attitude.
• Demonstrated experience in Payroll systems and best practices.
• Thorough understanding of accounting and the GL close process, with experience preparing and posting all payroll and benefit related journal entries.
• Completes assignments on time and with a high degree of accuracy and completeness.
• Ability to handle fast paced environment with multiple priorities and constantly changing workload.
• Identifies root causes of problems; generates and evaluates alternative solutions; implements problem resolutions quickly and effectively.
• Communicates information and ideas clearly, shares information broadly and listens carefully.
• Flexible team player.
• Demonstrated ability to be a supportive and positive team member.
• Work with integrity always.
• Foster open collaboration and constructive dialogue with everyone you support.
• Competent Microsoft Office user (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook) with a focus on advanced Excel skills.