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Contract Payroll Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Contract Payroll Manager

Orange, CA · On-site

$45 - $55/hr

Contract Payroll Manager Responsibilities * Manage full-cycle payroll processing, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll for all employees. * Process wages, overtime, bonuses, deductions ...

Qualifications for the Payroll Manager: • 5+ years of payroll processing experience. • Union payroll experience and understanding of union contracts required. • Construction industry experience ...

Payroll Manager

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Contract-to-Hire Compensation: $110,000-$150,000 annually Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) for eligible employees Overview We are seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead payroll ...

Payroll Manager

Springfield, MA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Prepare certified payroll reports for government/military contracts * Manage multistate tax filings and compliance * Perform payroll updates for new hires, terminations, and changes * Maintain and ...

Payroll Manager

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$50 - $60/hr

Payroll Manager Silver Spring, MD Hybrid Long Term Contract - $50-$60/hr. Workday experience REQUIRED The Payroll Manager is responsible for managing fullcycle, inhouse payroll using Workday. This ...

Role Mission Support the weekly payroll process through accurate data entry, certified payroll reporting, and payroll record management. This role focuses on ensuring employee hours, job coding, and ...

Payroll Manager

Culver City, CA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

We are seeking a Payroll Manager to lead multi-state, union, and prevailing wage payroll operations ... contract compliance, while providing leadership, coaching, and daily support to the payroll team.

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Manage payroll calendars, deadlines, reconciliations, funding, and vendor coordination * Ensure compliance with federal, multi-state, and local U.S. payroll tax requirements * Manage tax ...

Payroll Manager

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

The Payroll Manager plays a critical role in ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll ... CPAs, Worker's Comp, Union contract requirements * Promotes and always embraces company Core Values.

Payroll Manager

Dallas, TX · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Contract-to-Hire: Payroll Manager Our client, located in the DFW Metroplex, is looking for a Payroll Manager to join their team on a contract-to-hire basis. This role is fully in-office. Key ...

Payroll Manager

Culver City, CA · On-site +1

$120K - $130K/yr

... contract compliance, while providing leadership, coaching, and daily support to the payroll team ... To thrive/succeed as the Payroll Manager, you should have: * Bachelor's degree in Accounting ...

Payroll Job Summary: The Payroll Manager will oversee and manage the organization's payroll ... contract guidelines.The ideal candidate possesses exceptional analytical math skills, advanced ...

Payroll Manager

Richmond, VA · On-site

$45 - $60/hr

Payroll Manager (US & International) -- Hybrid | Richmond, VA Contract (W2) up to 60/hr | Potential extension and/or conversion Overview We're seeking an experienced Payroll professional to oversee ...

Payroll Manager

Germantown, MD · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Payroll Manager The Payroll Manager leads all aspects of payroll administration for a growing ... Ensure labor costs are properly charged to contracts and indirect cost pools in accordance with ...

Payroll Manager The Payroll Manager leads all aspects of payroll administration for a growing ... Ensure labor costs are properly charged to contracts and indirect cost pools in accordance with ...

Payroll Manager

Germantown, MD · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Payroll Manager The Payroll Manager leads all aspects of payroll administration for a growing ... Ensure labor costs are properly charged to contracts and indirect cost pools in accordance with ...

Manage and process end-to-end payroll for all employees (salaried, hourly, and contract) on a semi-monthly cycle * Ensure compliance with all applicable tax laws, wage and hour regulations, and ...

Payroll Manager

Germantown, MD · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Payroll Manager The Payroll Manager leads all aspects of payroll administration for a growing ... Ensure labor costs are properly charged to contracts and indirect cost pools in accordance with ...

Payroll Manager! 6-8 month Contract Hybrid (4 days onsite in South San Francisco; 1 from home) The Payroll Manager (contract) serves as a payroll subject matter expert and a key member of the Finance ...

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Contract Payroll Manager information

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$42K

$89.4K

$133K

How much do contract payroll manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract payroll manager in the United States is $89,396.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contract Payroll Manager vs Payroll Specialist?

AspectContract Payroll ManagerPayroll Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires payroll management experience, certifications like CPP or FPCOften requires payroll or accounting certifications, basic payroll training
Work EnvironmentManages payroll processes, oversees teams, works with HR and finance departmentsPerforms payroll processing, data entry, and compliance tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in companies needing temporary or project-based payroll managementCommon in organizations with ongoing payroll processing needs
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for managerial roles in payrollCompared for entry to mid-level payroll processing roles

The Contract Payroll Manager typically oversees payroll operations, manages teams, and handles complex payroll issues, often requiring management experience and certifications. In contrast, a Payroll Specialist focuses on executing payroll tasks, data entry, and compliance. Both roles are essential in payroll functions but differ in scope, responsibility, and experience level.

What are some common challenges faced by Contract Payroll Managers, and how can they be addressed?

Contract Payroll Managers often encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to new payroll systems, ensuring compliance with varying labor regulations, and managing tight deadlines for multiple clients or departments. To address these challenges, it's important to have strong organizational skills, remain current with legal updates, and communicate effectively with both HR and finance teams. Leveraging robust payroll software and maintaining detailed documentation can also help streamline processes and minimize errors during transitions.

What is a Contract Payroll Manager?

A Contract Payroll Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing the payroll process within an organization on a temporary or contractual basis. They ensure that employees are paid accurately and on time, manage payroll compliance, and often implement payroll systems or processes. Contract Payroll Managers may be hired to cover staff absences, manage transitions, or handle increased workloads. Their duties typically include processing payroll, resolving discrepancies, and ensuring adherence to tax laws and company policies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Payroll Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Payroll Manager, you need strong knowledge of payroll processing, compliance regulations, and accounting principles, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Proficiency with payroll software such as ADP, SAP, or QuickBooks, as well as familiarity with timekeeping systems, is usually required, and certifications like CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) are highly valued. Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help in managing deadlines and collaborating with HR and finance teams. These competencies are crucial for ensuring accurate and timely payroll operations, maintaining legal compliance, and supporting organizational financial integrity.
More about Contract Payroll Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Payroll Manager jobs? Cities with the most Contract Payroll Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Payroll Manager jobs? The most popular types of Payroll Manager jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Payroll Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Payroll Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Contract Payroll Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,396 per year, or $43 per hour.
Contract Payroll Manager

Contract Payroll Manager

Professional Search Group - Orange County

Orange, CA • On-site

$45 - $55/hr

Temporary

Medical

Posted 3 days ago

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Job description

Professional Search Group OC is partnering with a growing and well-established organization to identify an experienced Contract Payroll Manager for a temporary opportunity. Reporting directly to the Controller, this role will oversee all aspects of payroll administration, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, regulatory compliance, payroll system integrity, and leadership of the payroll function.


This is an excellent opportunity for a payroll professional with extensive California payroll expertise, strong leadership skills, and experience managing complex payroll environments, including union and certified payroll.


Contract Payroll Manager Responsibilities

  • Manage full-cycle payroll processing, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll for all employees.
  • Process wages, overtime, bonuses, deductions, garnishments, union payments, payroll adjustments, and final paychecks.
  • Administer union benefit contributions and support certified payroll requirements.
  • Ensure compliance with California wage and hour laws, union agreements, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Conduct payroll audits, resolve discrepancies, and support internal and external audit requests.
  • Maintain payroll system accuracy through testing, data validation, documentation, and process improvements.
  • Supervise, mentor, and train payroll staff while promoting compliance and best practices.
  • Collaborate with Human Resources, Finance, and IT on employee changes, payroll reconciliations, journal entries, and system updates.
  • Assist with ESOP administration, payroll reporting, and preparation of required payroll analyses.
  • Support special payroll, accounting, and cross-functional projects as needed.


Contract Payroll Manager Requirements

  • Degree, certification, or equivalent professional training in Payroll, Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field.
  • 7+ years of progressive payroll experience.
  • 3+ years of payroll leadership or supervisory experience.
  • Strong knowledge of California wage and hour laws is required.
  • Experience with union payroll and certified payroll is highly preferred.
  • Experience processing payroll in large, multi-employee environments.
  • Experience with Paylocity and Sage Intacct is a plus.
  • Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across Payroll, Human Resources, Finance, and Operations.


If you're looking for your next payroll leadership opportunity, Professional Search Group OC is excited to connect you with an organization that values accuracy, compliance, and operational excellence.


Apply today to learn more about this Contract Payroll Manager opportunity through Professional Search Group OC.