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Chief Payroll Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DASH

CFO (52369)

Alexandria, VA · On-site

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) develops, organizes, and manages all financial functions for ... Accounting, Payroll, and Treasury * Oversees the Company's accounting operations, including payroll ...

DASH

CFO (52369)

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

The CFO is entrusted with the stewardship of those public funds and is accountable for ensuring ... Accounting, Payroll, and Treasury * Oversees the Company's accounting operations, including payroll ...

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Chief Payroll Officer information

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$57.5K

$116.4K

$165K

How much do chief payroll officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief payroll officer in the United States is $116,415.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,000.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chief payroll officer do?

A Chief Payroll Officer is responsible for overseeing an organization's entire payroll function, ensuring that employees are paid accurately and on time. They manage payroll staff, develop payroll policies, ensure compliance with regulations, and implement payroll systems and technologies. Additionally, they collaborate with HR and finance departments to align payroll processes with organizational goals, handle audits, and resolve complex payroll issues. Their leadership ensures the integrity and efficiency of payroll operations across the company.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief payroll officer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Chief Payroll Officer, you need deep expertise in payroll management, tax compliance, and financial regulations, often supported by a degree in accounting or finance and extensive payroll experience. Proficiency with payroll software (such as ADP, SAP, or Workday), HRIS systems, and relevant certifications like CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) are highly valued. Exceptional leadership, attention to detail, and strong communication skills set top performers apart in this executive role. These skills ensure accurate payroll processing, legal compliance, and effective team management, which are critical for organizational stability and employee satisfaction.

What are some common challenges faced by chief payroll officers when managing payroll for a large, multi-state organization?

Chief Payroll Officers in large, multi-state organizations often encounter challenges related to navigating complex and varying state payroll tax regulations, ensuring compliance with ever-changing labor laws, and integrating multiple payroll systems after mergers or expansions. They must also manage large teams and coordinate closely with HR, finance, and IT departments to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing. Staying updated on regulatory changes and maintaining data security are ongoing priorities, making proactive communication and continuous professional development essential in this role.

What is the difference between Chief Payroll Officer vs Payroll Manager?

AspectChief Payroll OfficerPayroll Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees payroll strategy, compliance, and policy at an organizational levelManages daily payroll operations and processing
CredentialsTypically requires extensive experience in payroll and leadership, often with certifications like CPP or FPCRequires payroll processing experience, possibly with certifications, but less strategic focus
Work EnvironmentExecutive-level, strategic planning, cross-department collaborationOperational, team management, hands-on payroll processing
Industry UsageCommon in large organizations with complex payroll needsFound in organizations of various sizes, focusing on payroll execution

The Chief Payroll Officer focuses on strategic payroll leadership and compliance at an organizational level, while the Payroll Manager handles daily payroll operations and team management. Both roles require payroll expertise, but the Chief Payroll Officer's role is broader and more strategic.

Is payroll a stressful job?

Payroll is a critical role that involves managing employee compensation, ensuring accuracy, and complying with legal regulations, which can be demanding during busy periods like payroll processing deadlines. The job requires attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and often involves tight deadlines, making it potentially stressful at times. However, effective systems and experience can help manage workload and reduce stress levels.
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Cities with the most Chief Payroll Officer job openings:

What states have the most Chief Payroll Officer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Chief Payroll Officer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Chief Payroll Officer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Chief Payroll Officer jobs are:

Chief Payroll Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Payroll Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,415 per year, or $56 per hour.

Payroll Specialist

State Controller's Office

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$4.0K - $6.4K/mo

Full-time

PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Under close/general supervision of a Payroll Officer, is responsible for auditing and processing payroll documentation in compliance with established State and Federal Laws, rules, policies, procedures and collective bargaining contract provisions. This is a multirange level class, spanning entry through advanced journey levels. Incumbents assigned to Range A perform the least difficult transactions duties. Based upon the appropriate alternate range criteria, incumbents advance to Ranges B, C, and D. Under close supervision at the entry level, and under general supervision at the journey and advanced levels, and in accordance with established procedures, incumbents are assigned progressively more complex and difficult transactions duties in a variety of payroll transactions areas. Experienced incumbents in this class may provide functional guidance to lower-level staff.
Duties Performed:
(Candidates must perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodations.)
  • Audit and process a wide variety of payroll transactions necessary to generate monthly and supplemental payroll. Payroll transactions include transfers of funds between appropriates, establishing accounts receivable for overpayments and issuing original payments due to civil service employees utilizing the Uniform State Payroll System (USPS) and respective applications used to create payroll transactions.
  • Audit, research and resolve computer generated error messages. Resolution of message frequently requires abstracting and analyzing detailed system generated reports then determining correct computations.
  • Act as a communication liaison to state departments by responding to a variety of inquiries via telephone and/or email. Research and resolve inquiries and problems regarding payroll documentation and procedures. May provide instructions regarding corrective action as a result of the audit process.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
This position is located at The Emerald Tower on Capitol Mall, steps from Tower Bridge and is walking distance to the State Capitol. The building offers affordable monthly parking, employee gym access, an amenities center, and a beautiful mid-tower garden terrace. It is conveniently situated only blocks from Old Sacramento, numerous restaurants, a seasonal farmer's market, and the Crocker Art Museum. Overlooking the Golden 1 Arena and Downtown Commons, the office is accessible from Sacramento Regional Transit's light rail and bus systems, with convenient access to I-5, I-80, US 50 & US 99.
This position is eligible for hybrid telework under California Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time. Specific telework arrangements may be discussed in more detail with the respective hiring manager. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the State Controller's Office policies.
In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees' monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • PAYROLL SPECIALIST
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-528671
Position #(s):
051-220-1311-999
Working Title:
Payroll Specialist
Classification:
PAYROLL SPECIALIST $4,030.00 - $5,044.00 A
$4,632.00 - $5,807.00 B
$4,799.00 - $6,008.00 C
$5,184.00 - $6,488.00 D
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Facility:
Personnel/Payroll Services Division
Department Information
The Office of the State Controller (SCO) is the destination employer within the State of California. As California's chief fiscal officer, the Controller's Office ensures accountability and transparency of California's financial practices while promoting fairness and opportunity for all. Here, you'll work in a collaborative and supportive environment with diverse opportunities for professional growth and development. A career with the SCO offers meaningful work that directly impacts the state's future.
The Personnel and Payroll Services Division (PPSD) of the California State Controller's Office is responsible for ensuring that more than 290,000 state employees are paid accurately and on time. This division manages complex payroll systems, processes employee benefits, and handles a wide range of personnel transactions. By joining this team, you'll be at the forefront of delivering essential services that directly affect the livelihoods of state workers across California.
Take the next step in your career with an organization that values innovation, integrity, and the well-being of its employees. Apply today and build a California where everyone thrives!
Visit our website to learn more about the State Controller's Office.
How did you hear about us? Take our survey!
Special Requirements
Take the required examination here: Personnel Specialist Examination
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 8/31/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
State Controller's Office
Human Resources
Attn: Human Resources Office, J.W.
300 Capitol Mall 3rd Floor, Ste 300
Sacramento , CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
State Controller's Office
Human Resources
Attn: Human Resources Office, J.W.
300 Capitol Mall 3rd Floor, Ste 300
Sacramento , CA 95814
Applications dropped off in person must be received by 5 p.m. in HR, by the final filing date.
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
  • Ability to uphold PPSD values: Professionalism, Accountability, Customer Service, Collaboration, and Trust. Ability to multi-task daily workloads, meet deadlines, and adjust to priority changes.
  • Experience using Microsoft Office 365, including Outlook, Word, Excel, Adobe, MS Teams and Access. Knowledge and experience with the Uniform State Payroll System.
  • Experience working in a Personnel office processing personnel and payroll transactions.
  • Ability to apply and interpret State and Federal laws, rules, policies, procedures and Collective Bargaining contracts. Strong organizational skills.
  • Exceptional communication skills.
  • Knowledge and practice of Completed Staff Work.
  • Must be dependable, punctual, and have excellent attendance Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to demonstrate a positive attitude and communicate effectively Ability to work as part of a team and individually with minimal supervision.

Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
PPSD Recruitment
(916) 322-3682
ppsdrecruitment@sco.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
SCO EEO Officer
(916) 324-2223
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

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