Payroll Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job: 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 schedule, with occasional evenings and weekends as needed)
Salary Range: $90,000 - $100,000 annually (based on experience and qualifications)
Are you passionate about supporting a mission-driven organization by ensuring employees are paid accurately, on time, and in compliance so they can focus on making a difference in the lives of young people?
Who We Are:
In 1922, Woodcraft Rangers opened its doors in Los Angeles and began its mission of guiding young people as they explore pathways to purposeful lives. As a progressive organization, Woodcraft has always been responsive to the evolving needs of the communities served, and is notably inclusive, youth-led, and rooted in the Woodcraft Way, a holistic framework that develops body, mind, spirit, and service. Continuously at the forefront of expanded learning opportunities, Woodcraft Rangers has a rich history of making a significant impact in the greater Los Angeles area, believing that all youth are innately good, deserve the opportunity to realize their full potential, and should be an active participant in defining their own path.
What We Do:
Woodcraft Rangers provides TK-12 expanded learning programs, including before and after school, specialty enrichment, and summer learning. In the past few years, Woodcraft has expanded its menu of services beyond traditional afterschool programs and summer camps to include early learning, environmental and social justice, college access, and inclusion services for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additionally, we offer LifeCraft, a college and career advancement program to support the development of approximately 2,000 staff. Today, Woodcraft Rangers serves more than 30,000 youth ages 4 to 18 each year across 150 plus Title I schools in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties, and continues to expand its reach.
Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate for the Payroll Manager role is a seasoned payroll professional who combines technical expertise with strong leadership and a genuine commitment to mission-driven work. They bring a deep understanding of California payroll law, multi-entity compliance, and high-volume payroll operations — and know how to translate that expertise into efficient, accurate, and scalable processes. thrives in a complex, fast-paced environment and brings a proactive, solution-oriented mindset to every challenge. They handle sensitive information with the utmost discretion, communicate with confidence and empathy, and build trusted relationships across HR, Finance, and program teams. Most importantly, they are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to an organization that is making a real difference in the lives of young people across Los Angeles.
Why Work for Woodcraft Rangers:

• Competitive salary – $90,000 - $100,000 annually
• Paid vacation & sick time – generous time off to recharge
• Lifecraft program – free college & career advancement for all staff
• Upward mobility – promote-from-within culture
• Health, dental & vision – comprehensive benefits coverage
• 403(b) retirement plan – invest in your future
• Pet insurance – because your whole family matters
• Mission-driven work – impact 30,000 + young people annually

Role Overview:
The Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing the full-cycle payroll function for all employees, ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing across a complex, multi-site nonprofit organization. This role leads payroll operations, drives process improvement, ensures regulatory compliance, and serves as a strategic partner to HR, Finance, and organizational leadership.
Reporting to the Director of Payroll & Benefits, the Payroll Manager will supervise payroll staff, manage relationships, and serve as the subject matter expert on all payroll-related matters — including California-specific wage and hour requirements, tax regulations, and reporting obligations.
Responsibilities:
Payroll Operations & Management

• Oversee and manage end-to-end payroll processing for all employees on a semi-monthly cycle using ADP Workforce Now, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Lead, mentor, and develop payroll team members, providing guidance and performance oversight.
• Review and approve wage adjustments, bonuses, retroactive pay, garnishments, and overtime calculations.
• Review payroll discrepancies and resolve issues with urgency and accuracy.
• Manage payroll integrations between ADP and HRIS, Finance, and timekeeping systems.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local payroll regulations, with deep expertise in California labor law (wage & hour, meal/rest periods, PAGA considerations).
• Oversee quarterly and year-end payroll processes including W-2s, tax filings, and reconciliations.
• Conduct regular audits of payroll data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance.

Strategic Partnership & Communication

• Collaborate cross-functionally with HR, Finance, and program leadership to support organizational goals and workforce changes.
• Serve as a trusted resource for employee payroll inquiries, ensuring timely and professional resolution.
• Develop and deliver employee training on payroll policies, timekeeping practices, and self-service tools.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing payroll documentation and reporting as needed.

Qualifications/Skills:
Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in a nonprofit, multi-site, or high-volume payroll environment preferred.
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) designation a plus.
• Experience with payroll integrations strongly preferred.

Required:

• 5–7+ years of progressive payroll experience, with a minimum of 2 years in a supervisory or management capacity
• Proven track record managing payroll for a high-volume workforce of 500+ employees
• Proficient in ADP Workforce Now
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and other payroll reporting tools
• Demonstrated expertise in California payroll law, with hands-on experience managing multi-state payroll compliance
• Must pass FBI & DOJ Livescan background clearance

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team development capabilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to manage competing priorities.
• High level of integrity and discretion when handling confidential employee information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills across all levels of the organization.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with the ability to drive change and process improvement.

Physical Demands:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following physical demands may be essential for the effective performance of this position. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions:

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer, including frequent use of keyboard and mouse.
• Regular use of hands and fingers to operate office equipment and technology.
• Occasional standing, walking, and light movement within the office environment.
• Ability to lift and carry light items (e.g., files, documents, or office materials) up to 20 pounds, if needed.
• Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals to perform essential functions.

Work Environment:
We are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and will actively consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals to effectively perform their roles. This position operates in environments typical of the following key aspects:

• Hybrid schedule with a combination of in-office work at the Little Tokyo headquarters and remote work, based on business needs and departmental expectations.
• Standard Monday-Friday schedule aligned with business operations, with occasional extended hours during payroll processing periods, audits, or year-end activities.
• Regular in-office presence required for collaboration, team leadership, and key meetings.
• Limited travel may be required for meetings, trainings, or cross-functional collaboration across Woodcraft Rangers sites.
• Work is primarily performed using computer systems and payroll software in both office and remote settings.
• Stable internet connection required for remote workdays.
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Woodcraft Rangers provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without discrimination with regard to race, religious belief, color, sex, sex stereotype, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions (including breastfeeding), age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identification and expression, transgender status, transitioning status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, genetic information, family care, marital status, enrollment in any public assistance program, status as military, a veteran or qualified disabled veteran, status as an unpaid intern or volunteer, or any other classification protected by law. We also prohibit discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.

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