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Payroll Director Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

As a Director, you will demonstrate thought leadership in payroll policies and practices, managing global payroll operations and maintaining compliance with regulations. This position provides an ...

Payroll Tax Specialist

Ontario, CA · On-site

$28 - $40.55/hr

The Payroll Tax Specialist will support the Corporate Payroll Director in the efficiency and accuracy of payroll tax reporting. The Payroll Tax Specialist will work on the organization tax compliance ...

Payroll

Norco, CA · On-site

$35/hr

Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist for a direct hire opportunity in Norco, CA with a construction organization supporting residential, commercial, and office projects. This ...

Function as back up to direct report staff and/or Payroll Manager Requirements * 5+ years of payroll experience including federal, state, and local employment tax, reciprocity, quarterly and year-end ...

New

Payroll Supervisor

Orange, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Maintain accurate payroll records, including direct deposit and non-direct deposit employee information. * Review new hire documentation and ensure payroll records are complete and accurate. * Update ...

Payroll Specialist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

Respond to routine employee and client payroll inquiries regarding pay statements, timecards, deductions, direct deposit, and year-end tax form access, escalating complex, sensitive, or regulatory ...

New

Respond to routine employee and client payroll inquiries regarding pay statements, timecards, deductions, direct deposit, and year-end tax form access, escalating complex, sensitive, or regulatory ...

New

... directed by the Administrator, Director of Finance, or Accountant. As Payroll Manager, you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out ...

... directed by the Administrator, Director of Finance, or Accountant. As Payroll Manager, you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out ...

Payroll Supervisor

Orange, CA · On-site

$42 - $45/hr

Position Title: Payroll Supervisor Location: Orange, CA (On-site) Assignment Type: Temp-to ... Self-directed, proactive, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with multiple ...

Payroll Supervisor

Orange, CA · On-site

$42 - $45/hr

Position Title: Payroll Supervisor Location: Orange, CA (On-site) Assignment Type: Temp-to ... Self-directed, proactive, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with multiple ...

... may be directed by the Administrator, Director of Finance, or Accountant. * As Payroll Manager, you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for ...

... may be directed by the Administrator, Director of Finance, or Accountant. * As Payroll Manager, you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for ...

Payroll Resource

Irvine, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

PAYROLL RESOURCE Position Type: Full Time, Employee. Compensation Range: $20.00 - $30.00 hourly ... Consults with the garnishment/withholding order team to process periodic adjustments when directed.

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Payroll Director information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$60K

$121.5K

$172.1K

How much do payroll director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for payroll director in Riverside, CA is $121,452.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,200.00 and $140,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a payroll director?

Payroll Directors are senior professionals responsible for overseeing an organization’s payroll operations, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time. They manage payroll staff, develop and implement payroll policies, ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations, and often collaborate with HR and finance departments. Payroll Directors also handle complex payroll issues, audit processes, and may be involved in selecting and maintaining payroll systems. Their role is crucial in maintaining employee satisfaction and organizational compliance.

What does a payroll director do?

A payroll director oversees the payroll department, ensures that accounting is accurate, and pays all payroll taxes for their organization. As a payroll director, your daily duties involve reconciling payroll ledgers, confirming tax laws and regulations are met, and managing employee compensation and benefits. A payroll director may also be responsible for hiring and training new employees.

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

To thrive as a Payroll Director, you need deep expertise in payroll processing, tax compliance, and relevant labor laws, typically backed by a degree in finance, accounting, or business and several years of payroll management experience. Familiarity with payroll software (such as ADP, SAP, or Workday), data analysis tools, and certifications like Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) are commonly required. Exceptional leadership, attention to detail, and strong communication skills set top candidates apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring accurate, timely payroll operations and minimizing legal and financial risks for the organization.

What are some common challenges a payroll director faces when managing multi-state or international payroll operations?

Payroll Directors overseeing multi-state or international operations often encounter challenges such as navigating varying tax laws, compliance regulations, and reporting requirements for each jurisdiction. They must stay updated on frequent legislative changes and ensure accuracy across different systems, which may require collaborating closely with legal, finance, and HR teams. Effective communication, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills are essential to mitigate compliance risks and streamline payroll processes across diverse locations.

What is the difference between Payroll Director vs Payroll Manager?

AspectPayroll DirectorPayroll Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire payroll department, develops policies, ensures compliance, manages teamManages payroll processing, supervises staff, ensures accurate and timely payroll
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, payroll certifications (e.g., CPP)Usually requires similar credentials, payroll certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentExecutive-level, strategic focus, higher-level decision makingOperational focus, day-to-day payroll processing
Industry UsageCommon in large organizations and corporationsFound in organizations of various sizes, often as a supervisory role

The Payroll Director and Payroll Manager roles share many credentials and work environments, but the Director typically handles strategic oversight and policy development, while the Manager focuses on daily payroll operations. Both positions are essential in payroll departments, especially in larger organizations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Payroll jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Payroll jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Payroll Director jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Payroll Director jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Payroll Director jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Payroll Director jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Payroll Director jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Payroll Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Payroll Director job openings in Riverside, CA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 85% In-person, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,452 per year, or $58.4 per hour.

Director, Payroll Strategy & Operations at Jobot Irvine, CA

Irvine, CA • On-site

Downtown Boulder Partnership
11 - 50 employees

$140K - $180K/yr

Other

Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead the global payroll function and oversee a team of five.

  • Administer and advise on RSUs, equity plans, and executive-level compensation matters.

  • Support mergers & acquisitions by conducting payroll due diligence, providing recommendations, and simplifying processes.


Job description

Job Description

Seeking Global Payroll Director for a High-Growth International Organization

Located in Irvine, CA. Salary: $140,000 - $180,000 per year

Why Join Us
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Annual Incentive Bonus: Performance-based, paid annually
  • Rich benefits package
  • 401k with a 4% employer match
  • Hybrid Schedule
  • Entrepreneurial work environment
  • Mentorship and professional development resources
Job Details
  • Strategic Function: Payroll is treated as a front-facing, high-impact function, not just back-office.
  • M&A Exposure: Opportunity to participate in mergers & acquisitions, provide recommendations, and influence global payroll strategy.
  • High-Performing Team: Join a well-organized, structured, and supported team.
  • Development-Focused Culture: Coaching, mentorship, and professional growth opportunities.
  • Executive Engagement: Direct interaction with C-suite and General Counsel, providing visibility and influence.
  • Impactful Work: Shape global payroll processes, policies, and strategy.
  • Autonomy & Leadership: Operate independently in ambiguous situations while influencing organizational decisions.
  • Professional Respect: Payroll is recognized as a critical strategic function within the organization.
  • Supportive Culture: Team culture emphasizes reflection, learning, and continuous improvement.
About the Role

We are seeking a strategic, hands‑on Global Payroll Director to lead our payroll function across the U.S., Canada & Australia. This role will oversee a high‑performing team and partner closely with C‑Suite to ensure seamless payroll operations, compliance, and executive‑level stock administration.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the global payroll function with direct oversight of a team of five.
  • Administer and advise on RSUs, equity plans, and related executive-level compensation matters.
  • Support mergers & acquisitions, including payroll due diligence, recommendations, and process simplification.
  • Operate independently in ambiguous situations, providing principled guidance and firm decision-making.
  • Partner with executives, General Counsel, and cross‑functional teams while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
  • Drive continuous improvement of payroll systems, processes, and reporting, leveraging Workday or comparable HRIS tools.
  • Foster a collaborative, development‑focused team culture, ensuring team members are coached and empowered to succeed.
Must‑Have Qualifications
  • Extensive U.S. payroll experience across all 50 states.
  • Strong knowledge of Canadian payroll practices.
  • Hands‑on experience with RSU/equity administration and executive compensation.
  • Proficiency in Workday Payroll or similar HR/payroll systems.
  • Strong strategic, operational, and analytical skills.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills; able to engage confidently at all levels of the organization.
Nice to Have
  • Advanced Excel skills and comfort with data analysis.
  • Exposure to international payroll beyond North America.
  • Experience in M&A payroll integration or due diligence.
Equal Employment Opportunity

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Sometimes Jobot is required to perform background checks with your authorization. Jobot will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with any applicable federal, state or local law regarding criminal backgrounds, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

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