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Payroll Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Addison Group

Payroll Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Payroll Manager Location: Los Angeles, CA (Koreatown) - Onsite Compensation: $120,000 - $140,000 annually Benefits: This role is eligible for medical, dental, vision and 401k. Position Summary ...

Sunmar Management Services

Payroll Manager

Paramount, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

We are looking for a great part-time Payroll Manager with SNF experience. * The primary purpose of your job position is to administer and perform payroll functions to the facility in accordance with ...

Insperity

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 while ensuring payroll accuracy, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. This role ...

Insperity

Payroll Manager

Culver City, CA · Hybrid

$120K - $130K/yr

Description & Requirements Payroll Manager Hybrid-Culver City Your next great opportunity starts here! If you're looking for a role where you can make a meaningful impact, collaborate with industry ...

ID.me

Payroll Manager

Mountain View, CA · On-site +1

About the Role ID.me is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to own end-to-end payroll operations for our growing, multi-state workforce. This role ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll ...

Sunmar Management Services

Payroll Manager

Riverside, CA · On-site

$23/hr

We are looking for a great Full Time Payroll Manager with SNF experience. * The primary purpose of your job position is to administer and perform payroll functions to the facility in accordance with ...

Rio Tinto

Payroll Manager

Burbank, CA · On-site

$161K/yr

Payroll Manager to help shape the future of payroll as Borates transitions into a standalone organisation. This isn't a role where you'll simply inherit an established function, you'll help build it.

Insperity

Payroll Manager

Culver City, CA · Hybrid

$120K - $130K/yr

Description & Requirements Payroll Manager Hybrid-Culver City Your next great opportunity starts here! If you're looking for a role where you can make a meaningful impact, collaborate with industry ...

TRS Staffing Solutions

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. This position is responsible for overseeing all payroll functions, including payroll calculations ...

Vast

Payroll Manager

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Vast is looking for a Payroll Manager , reporting to the Director, Finance, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated ...

Solairus Aviation

Payroll Manager

Petaluma, CA · On-site

Overview The Payroll Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of Solairus Aviation's payroll operations, including accurate and timely payroll processing across all 50 states for hourly ...

Woodcraft Rangers

Payroll Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Payroll Manager Reports To: Director of Payroll & Benefits Status: Full-Time, Exempt Location: Los Angeles (Little Tokyo Office) Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 6:00pm (Hybrid work ...

Solairus Aviation

Payroll Manager

Petaluma, CA · On-site

The Payroll Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of Solairus Aviation's payroll operations, including accurate and timely payroll processing across all 50 states for hourly, salaried ...

Embarc

Payroll Manager

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Payroll Manager The anticipated salary range for this position is $85,000-$100,000 annually. Final compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, internal equity, and market considerations.

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All JobsPayroll JobsPayroll Manager JobsPayroll Manager Jobs in California

Payroll Manager information

See California salary details

$41.5K

$88.2K

$131.3K

How much do payroll manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for payroll manager in California is $88,225.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,100.00 and $102,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a payroll manager?

A payroll manager works in the payroll or HR department of a business or organization and manages the payroll process for all employees and contractors. Payroll managers are responsible for ensuring that all employees are paid on time, in the correct amounts, and for issuing pay stubs. They are also responsible for compiling payroll information and managing the pre-payroll preparation process. Additionally, payroll managers complete records for earnings, taxes, deductions, leave, benefits and disability, and maintain records for the organization and tax reporting. Payroll managers may also oversee recruiting, hiring, training and evaluating of payroll department staff members.

What does a payroll manager do?

A Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing an organization's payroll functions. This includes ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time, maintaining payroll records, and complying with relevant tax laws and regulations. Payroll Managers also handle payroll reporting, resolve payroll discrepancies, and may supervise payroll staff. Their role is crucial in maintaining employee satisfaction and legal compliance within a company.

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

To thrive as a Payroll Manager, you need strong knowledge of payroll regulations, tax laws, and accounting principles, often backed by a degree in finance or accounting and relevant experience. Familiarity with payroll software (such as ADP or Paychex), HR information systems, and professional certifications like CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) are typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help Payroll Managers stand out. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring accurate payroll processing, regulatory compliance, and effective team leadership.

How does a payroll manager typically collaborate with other departments to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing?

Payroll Managers regularly coordinate with Human Resources and Finance teams to gather accurate employee data, such as new hires, terminations, benefit deductions, and salary changes. They also work closely with IT to ensure payroll systems are functioning correctly and with compliance teams to meet legal and tax requirements. Effective communication and collaboration are essential for resolving discrepancies quickly and maintaining seamless payroll cycles. This cross-departmental interaction offers Payroll Managers a comprehensive view of organizational operations and strengthens their problem-solving skills.

What is the difference between Payroll Manager vs Payroll Specialist?

AspectPayroll ManagerPayroll Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field; certifications like CPP or FPC are commonSimilar credentials; often holds CPP or FPC certifications, with less emphasis on management experience
Work EnvironmentOversees payroll departments, manages teams, and collaborates with HR and financePerforms payroll processing, data entry, and compliance tasks primarily independently or in small teams
Employer & Industry UsageFound in mid to large organizations across various industriesCommon in organizations of all sizes, especially in HR or finance departments

The main difference between a Payroll Manager and a Payroll Specialist lies in their responsibilities and scope. Payroll Managers oversee payroll operations, manage teams, and ensure compliance at a strategic level, while Payroll Specialists focus on processing payroll data accurately and efficiently. Both roles require similar credentials, but the Payroll Manager's role involves more leadership and oversight.

Is a payroll manager a hard job?

A payroll manager's job involves overseeing payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, compliance with tax laws, and managing payroll systems, which requires attention to detail and knowledge of relevant regulations. The role can be demanding during peak periods such as month-end or year-end, and it often requires strong organizational and communication skills. Certification and experience with payroll software are beneficial for managing the workload effectively.

What do payroll managers earn?

Payroll managers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $85,000, depending on experience, location, and company size. They are responsible for overseeing payroll processing, ensuring compliance with regulations, and often use payroll software or systems to manage employee compensation accurately.
More about Payroll Manager jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Payroll jobs in California?

The most popular types of Payroll jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Payroll Manager jobs in California?

For Payroll Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Payroll Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Payroll Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Payroll Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Payroll Manager job openings:

Payroll Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payroll Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,225 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Payroll Manager

Addison Group

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Role: Payroll Manager

Location: Los Angeles, CA (Koreatown) – Onsite

Compensation: $120,000 - $140,000 annually

Benefits: This role is eligible for medical, dental, vision and 401k.

Position Summary

Seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to oversee payroll operations for 7,000+ California employees in a complex healthcare environment. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate payroll processing, compliance with California labor laws and payroll tax regulations, and leading a payroll team in a high-volume setting.

Responsibilities

  • Manage end-to-end payroll processing for 7,000+ employees.
  • Supervise Assistant Payroll Manager and 5 Payroll Specialists
  • Ensure compliance with California labor laws, payroll tax regulations, and union agreements.
  • Oversee payroll activities related to shift differentials, overtime, and meal break penalties.
  • Serve as the primary liaison with ADP and support payroll system administration.
  • Review payroll audits, reconciliations, tax filings, and reporting.
  • Utilize advanced Excel functions to analyze payroll data and improve processes.
  • Lead and develop payroll staff while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or CPP certification.
  • Payroll management experience with leadership responsibilities.
  • Strong knowledge of California labor laws, payroll taxes, and union payroll.
  • Advanced Excel skills including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, and SUMIFS.
  • ADP experience strongly preferred.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Flexible start times

Addison Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Addison Group provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Addison Group complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request.

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