Manager, Payroll Administration

Position Summary

Lead the successful execution of Petco’s payroll operations while ensuring strong compliance, effective controls, and an excellent partner experience. This role is responsible for end-to-end payroll delivery, payroll systems administration, vendor performance, process improvement, and team leadership in a complex multi-state environment.

The Manager, Payroll Operations partners closely with Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Tax, HRIS, and external vendors to ensure payroll processes are accurate, timely, compliant, and scalable. This leader uses data, technology, and strong operational discipline to continuously improve service levels, reduce risk, and support business growth.

• Payroll Operations:
  Lead payroll cycles, off-cycle payments, adjustments, and year-end processing; oversee earnings, deductions, taxes, garnishments, PTO, bonuses, and supplemental pay; resolve escalated issues.
• Compliance & Controls:
  Ensure compliance with wage/hour laws, tax regulations, reporting, SOX controls, audits, notices, and corrective actions.
• Systems & Process Improvement:
  Own payroll system administration, enhancements, integrations, testing, automation, data accuracy, and support organizational changes.
• Leadership & Team Development:
  Lead, coach, and develop team members; establish standards and priorities; communicate effectively; lead through change.
• Reporting & Analytics:
  Deliver recurring and ad hoc reporting; identify trends, anomalies, and risks; support forecasting and decision-making.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Human Resources, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience in a large, complex organization.
• 2+ years of leadership or team management experience.
• Deep knowledge of payroll operations, payroll tax, wage and hour laws, garnishments, and year-end processing.
• Experience supporting multi-state payroll environments with exempt and non-exempt populations.
• Strong systems aptitude with Workday.
• Experience with payroll vendors and third-party service management.
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency with reporting tools.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and reconciliation skills.
• Excellent communication, judgment, and customer service capabilities.
• International payroll experience preferred.
• CPP preferred.

• Accurate and timely payroll execution
• Strong compliance and audit results
• Improved service levels and partner satisfaction
• Reduced manual effort through automation
• Effective team engagement and development
• Successful delivery of key projects and initiatives

Salary Range: $ - $

For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO – see

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.