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Payroll Operations Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Essel

Payroll Operations Manager

Sacramento, CA · On-site

The Payroll Manager oversees all functional aspects of the payroll operation, including accurate and timely completion of all payrolls, responding to inquiries about payroll transactions, ensuring ...

Essel

Payroll Operations Manager

Sacramento, CA · On-site

The Payroll Manager oversees all functional aspects of the payroll operation, including accurate and timely completion of all payrolls, responding to inquiries about payroll transactions, ensuring ...

Essel

Payroll Operations Manager

Sacramento, CA

The Payroll Manager oversees all functional aspects of the payroll operation, including accurate and timely completion of all payrolls, responding to inquiries about payroll transactions, ensuring ...

LinkedIn

Director, Payroll Operations

Sunnyvale, CA · Hybrid

Manage, coach, and develop the NAMER Payroll Operations team. * Ensure all monthly, quarterly, and annual filings and year-end statements are issued per local legislation. * Build and maintain a ...

LinkedIn

Director, Payroll Operations

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Manage, coach, and develop the NAMER Payroll Operations team. * Ensure all monthly, quarterly, and annual filings and year-end statements are issued per local legislation. * Build and maintain a ...

Mercury

Payroll Operations Specialist

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$85K - $96K/yr

You'll manage payroll tax registrations, agency accounts, foreign qualifications, tax ... You enjoy solving operational and compliance challenges from start to finish. * You take ownership ...

GILLIG

Manager, Payroll

Livermore, CA · Hybrid

$75K - $170K/yr

This role is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing while driving operational excellence, process improvements, and payroll system optimization. The Manager ...

GILLIG

Manager, Payroll

Livermore, CA · On-site

$75K - $170K/yr

This role is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing while driving operational excellence, process improvements, and payroll system optimization. The Manager ...

GILLIG

Manager, Payroll

Livermore, CA · Hybrid

$75K - $170K/yr

This role is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing while driving operational excellence, process improvements, and payroll system optimization. The Manager ...

Moloco

Payroll Manager

Menlo Park, CA

The Payroll Manager will lead end-to-end payroll operations across the United States and United Kingdom, ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely pay for all employees. This role partners closely ...

Sierra Proto Express

Payroll Manager

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Payroll Operations & Processing • Oversee end to end payroll operations for U.S. multi state ... Compliance & Risk Management • Ensure compliance with payroll regulations, tax laws, and ...

Marriott

Corporate Payroll Manager

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Duties Payroll Operations Manage end-to-end payroll processing for multiple entities and pay groups. Process regular payrolls, off-cycle payrolls, bonus payments, retroactive pay, and termination ...

Impulse Space

Senior Payroll Manager

Redondo Beach, CA

$145K - $185K/yr

S. payroll operations. This role is responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant processing ... Additionally, you will manage payroll for both exempt and non-exempt employee populations across ...

Franchise Location

Corporate Payroll Manager

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Duties Payroll Operations Manage end-to-end payroll processing for multiple entities and pay groups. Process regular payrolls, off-cycle payrolls, bonus payments, retroactive pay, and termination ...

Impulse Space

Senior Payroll Manager

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$145K - $185K/yr

Senior Payroll Manager Department: Finance Employment Type: Full Time Location: Redondo Beach ... S. payroll operations. This role is responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant processing ...

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All JobsPayroll Operations JobsPayroll Operations Manager JobsPayroll Operations Manager Jobs in California

Payroll Operations Manager information

See California salary details

$41.5K

$88.2K

$131.3K

How much do payroll operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for payroll operations 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.

Is payroll manager a stressful job?

A payroll manager role involves overseeing payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely payments, which can be stressful during peak periods such as tax season or audits. The job requires attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to handle tight deadlines and sensitive information, which may contribute to stress levels.

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

To thrive as a Payroll Operations Manager, you need expertise in payroll processing, compliance with labor laws, and a strong background in finance or accounting, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with payroll software such as ADP, Workday, or SAP, as well as certifications like CPP (Certified Payroll Professional), is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills for managing teams and ensuring accuracy. These skills are vital to guarantee timely and compliant payroll operations, minimize errors, and lead an efficient payroll department.

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

AspectPayroll Operations ManagerPayroll Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field; payroll certifications preferredUsually requires a high school diploma or associate degree; payroll certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentOversees payroll teams, manages processes, and ensures compliance across departmentsPerforms payroll processing, data entry, and verification tasks
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in medium to large organizations across various industriesFound in organizations of all sizes, often in HR or finance departments

The Payroll Operations Manager focuses on overseeing payroll processes, managing teams, and ensuring compliance, while the Payroll Specialist handles the day-to-day payroll data entry and processing tasks. Both roles require payroll knowledge, but the manager position involves leadership and strategic oversight.

How much do payroll managers earn?

Payroll managers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and company size. They often require knowledge of payroll software and compliance regulations to perform their duties effectively.

What does a payroll operations manager do?

A payroll operations manager oversees the processing of employee compensation, ensuring accurate and timely payment while maintaining compliance with tax laws and company policies. They manage payroll systems, coordinate with HR and finance departments, and often use payroll software to handle data and reporting tasks.

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

Payroll Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as staying compliant with frequently changing tax laws, managing high volumes of data accurately, and ensuring timely payroll processing across multiple locations. To address these, it's important to implement robust payroll software, maintain ongoing training for staff, and establish strong internal controls. Effective communication with HR, finance, and external vendors also plays a crucial role in resolving discrepancies and maintaining smooth operations.

What is the highest paying job in payroll?

The highest paying roles in payroll are often senior-level positions such as Payroll Director or Payroll Vice President, which oversee payroll operations and strategy for large organizations. These roles typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of payroll systems and compliance, and they can offer salaries exceeding $100,000 annually depending on the company and location.
What are popular job titles related to Payroll Operations Manager jobs in California? For Payroll Operations Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Payroll Operations Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Payroll Operations Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Payroll Operations Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Payroll Operations Manager job openings:
Payroll Operations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payroll Operations Manager job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,225 per year, or $42.4 per hour.
Payroll Operations Manager

Payroll Operations Manager

Essel

Sacramento, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

The Payroll Manager oversees all functional aspects of the payroll operation, including accurate and timely completion of all payrolls, responding to inquiries about payroll transactions, ensuring compliance with federal and state tax regulations, and completing various monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliations and certifications.


JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, or another related field required.

Experience:

Minimum of 2 years related payroll or accounting experience required.

Strong/Advanced Excel skills required.

Experience with HRIS desired.


JOB DUTIES:

- Prepare and process high-volume payroll biweekly, including monitoring file transmissions for accuracy with wage payments, taxes, garnishments, and benefits.

- Process and reconcile tax deposits and quarterly and yearly tax reporting, including the filing of W-2s.

- Manage the payroll general ledger interface, and prepare the monthly payroll available ledger report.

- Record monthly payroll journal entries, research discrepancies or abnormalities, and communicate findings to finance.

- Responsible for approving payroll adjustments, reconciliation of corresponding ledger accounts, and posting necessary journal entries.

- Review for accuracy and process annual merit increases and annual bonus.

- Assist as needed with payroll year end, budget, audit, and GL requests; serve as backup for payroll tax filing and reporting.

- Utilize HRIS, Microsoft Excel, macros, MS queries, filters, advanced formulas, and pivot tables regularly

- Serve as the primary contact for timekeeping and payroll-related questions. Escalate complex issues to team as needed

- Develop and provide payroll-related training to employees and departments.

- Other duties as assigned.


JOB REQUIREMENTS:

- General financial/accounting knowledge and ability to ensure fully functioning and accurate accounting processes.

- General knowledge of accounting standards/procedures and federal, state, and local rules/regulations.

- Ability to analyze complex and varied financial data and create financial reports necessary.

- Ability to input and access a variety of computer data, especially financial information.

- Knowledge of organizational methods and the ability to manage multiple tasks/projects simultaneously.

- Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality related to all duties and responsibilities.

- Ability to apply complex accounting formulas and/or perform complex mathematical calculations.

- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

- Ability to remain calm and professional during peak periods of activity.

- Willingness to work extended hours as necessary.

- Ability to work with other related projects as requested by management.

- Solid analytical and problem-solving skills.

- Excellent organizational, analytical, and planning skills.

- Able to perform well in the face of tight deadlines.