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Payroll Operations Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Moloco

Payroll Manager

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

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 ...

WelbeHealth

Director, People (Payroll)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Payroll) is accountable for the strategic leadership, operational management, and continuous improvement of payroll operations across WelbeHealth. This role oversees end-to-end payroll administration ...

Redwood

Payroll Manager

Chino Hills, CA · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Beyond managing payroll operations, the Payroll Manager serves as a strategic partner to Human Resources, Finance, Benefits, and Operations by identifying opportunities to improve processes, leverage ...

WelbeHealth

Director, People (Payroll)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Payroll) is accountable for the strategic leadership, operational management, and continuous improvement of payroll operations across WelbeHealth. This role oversees end-to-end payroll administration ...

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 ...

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 ...

Versa Networks

Global Payroll Manager

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

What You'll Own Payroll Operations * Manage end-to-end payroll processing for U.S. employees across all 50 states, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery. * Process semi-monthly or bi-weekly payrolls ...

Solairus Aviation

Payroll Manager

Petaluma, CA · On-site

The Payroll Manager serves as the primary operational subject matter expert for payroll processes, payroll systems, timekeeping, reporting, and employee payroll support. This position directly ...

Embarc

Payroll Manager

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

The Payroll Manager is responsible for managing payroll operations from end to end for Embarc's hourly, salaried, tipped, commissioned, and union employees. This highly visible, hands-on role serves ...

Versa Networks

Global Payroll Manager

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

What You'll Own Payroll Operations * Manage end-to-end payroll processing for U.S. employees across all 50 states, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery. * Process semi-monthly or bi-weekly payrolls ...

Solairus Aviation

Payroll Manager

Petaluma, CA · On-site

The Payroll Manager serves as the primary operational subject matter expert for payroll processes, payroll systems, timekeeping, reporting, and employee payroll support. This position directly ...

Solairus Aviation

Payroll Manager

Petaluma, CA · On-site

The Payroll Manager serves as the primary operational subject matter expert for payroll processes, payroll systems, timekeeping, reporting, and employee payroll support. This position directly ...

Moloco

Payroll Manager

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

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 ...

Robert Half

Payroll Supervisor/Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$32.46 - $37.59/hr

... operations. Responsibilities: * Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for a large employee ... Demonstrated experience managing full-cycle payroll operations from input validation through final ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 17, 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a payroll operations manager?

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 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 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.

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,225 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Payroll Manager

Moloco

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

The Impact You'll Be Contributing to Moloco: 

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 with HR, Finance, Legal, and external providers to scale payroll operations in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

The Opportunity: 

  • Own end-to-end payroll processing for US and UK employee populations, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of every pay cycle.
  • Maintain full compliance with US federal, state, and local payroll tax and reporting requirements, and with UK HMRC regulations, statutory reporting, and pension obligations.
  • Serve as the primary point of escalation for payroll discrepancies, audits, and employee inquiries in both regions.
  • Lead process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of payroll operations as the company grows.
  • Ensure proper internal controls, SOX compliance (where applicable), and audit readiness for payroll processes
    in both countries.
  • Stay current on evolving payroll legislation in both the US and UK.

How Do I Know if the Role is Right For Me? 

  • 6+ years of experience leading global payroll operations, preferably in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
  • Demonstrated experience managing multi-country payroll, with direct exposure to both US and UK payroll cycles strongly preferred.
  • Expert-level understanding of US federal, state, and local payroll compliance (e.g., multi-state tax withholding, wage and hour law, garnishments, unemployment insurance).
  • Expert-level understanding of UK statutory compliance, including PAYE, National Insurance Contributions (NIC), HMRC reporting, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), Statutory Maternity/Paternity Pay (SMP/SPP), and pension auto-enrolment requirements.
  • Familiarity with UK year-end processes (P60, P11D, Final FPS) and IR35/off-payroll working rules where applicable.
  • Hands-on experience with Workday or other large HCM/payroll systems; ADP Workforce Now and CloudPay experience preferred.
  • Strong Excel/data analysis skills for reconciliations, reporting, and audits.

Core Competencies

  • Clear, concise communicator able to translate complex payroll regulations into plain-language guidance for HR, Finance, and employees across countries and time zones.
  • Comfortable managing external vendor and advisor relationships (e.g., HMRC, IRS, payroll bureaus, benefits providers) in both regions. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with sound judgment resolving complex, ambiguous, or sensitive payroll issues.
  • Proactively identifies compliance risks and recommends practical solutions.
  • Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy, balanced with the ability to manage competing deadlines across multiple payroll cycles. 
  • High level of integrity and discretion when handling confidential compensation and personal data.
  • Adaptable and resilient in a fast-paced, evolving environment with shifting priorities; builds trust with cross- functional partners as a payroll subject-matter expert.

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