Payroll Manager

Payroll Manager – California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)

Base pay range: $/yr – $/yr. Additional compensation is determined by experience, skills and other factors. See the detailed salary information below.

Under the general direction of the Director of Payroll Services, the Payroll Manager oversees all payroll operations for the university, ensuring accurate and timely processing of compensation and leave in compliance with collective bargaining agreements, CSU policies, state and federal regulations. The role ensures proper documentation, approval workflows, and adherence to guidance from the Chancellor’s Office and State Controller’s Office and supports audit preparation and state reporting requirements.

This position serves as a key advisor on complex payroll and policy matters, requiring detailed interpretation and judgment. The Payroll Manager actively evaluates and implements process improvements and emerging technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce manual workloads. The position also represents the university in CSU systemwide initiatives, user groups, and committees, contributing to payroll policy development and system enhancements across the institution.

The Payroll Department is responsible for processing payroll actions and managing leave accounting for faculty and staff of the university.

• Thorough knowledge of payroll principles and practices.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism.
• Ability to research and apply complex issues (e.g. collective bargaining agreements, Title V, Technical Letters).
• Demonstrated ability to review, interpret and analyze financial information.
• Excellent communication skills; ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner, both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.

• Bachelor’s degree and four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in payroll processing, with at least one (1) year in a management/supervisory role. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis.

The anticipated hiring range for this role is $100,000 - $117,000. Note that the offer is calculated based on the background and relevant years of experience of the individual selected. Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Anticipated Hiring Range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position.

The Classification Range may be broader than what the University anticipates paying for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees’ Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information.

California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) is a nationally ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment.

Cal Poly’s hands‑on philosophy, small class sizes and close student‑faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu.

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color,…