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Payroll Operations Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Payroll Manager

Boron, CA · On-site

$130K - $154K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the role We are looking for a Payroll Manager to lead and optimize end-to-end payroll operations while establishing strong global payroll governance across a complex, multi-jurisdictional ...

Payroll Manager

Boron, CA · Hybrid

$130K - $154K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the role We are looking for a Payroll Manager to lead and optimize endtoend payroll operations while establishing strong global payroll governance across a complex, multijurisdictional ...

Manager, Payroll Administration

San Diego, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Manager, Payroll Operations partners closely with Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Tax, HRIS, and external vendors to ensure payroll processes are accurate, timely, compliant, and scalable.

Sr. Payroll Manager

West Hollywood, CA · On-site

$85K - $100K/hr

The Senior Payroll Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing all aspects of payroll operations for a complex, multi-state, multi-entity organization with more than 2000+ employees and growing.

Payroll Manager

Culver City, CA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Payroll Manager

Fountain Valley, CA · On-site

$130K - $155K/yr

  • Medical

The Payroll Manager will lead a team of three and partner cross-functionally with Finance, HR, Legal, and IT to ensure payroll operations support business growth, regulatory compliance, and ...

Payroll Manager

Fountain Valley, CA · On-site

$130K - $155K/yr

  • Medical

The Payroll Manager will lead a team of three and partner cross-functionally with Finance, HR, Legal, and IT to ensure payroll operations support business growth, regulatory compliance, and ...

Payroll Manager

Culver City, CA · On-site +1

$120K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description & Requirements Payroll Manager At Servicon Systems INC , we are committed to operational excellence, innovation, and delivering exceptional service through our people. We are seeking a ...

Global Payroll Director

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$133K - $172K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Global Payroll Director, you will be responsible for overseeing and managing payroll operations across multiple countries and regions on a global scale. Your primary focus will be on developing ...

Global Payroll Director

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$133K - $172K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Global Payroll Director, you will be responsible for overseeing and managing payroll operations across multiple countries and regions on a global scale. Your primary focus will be on developing ...

$200K - $260K/yr

Compliance & Regulatory Management You'll be the executive point of escalation for tax authority ... Payroll operations are running with measurably improved accuracy, speed, and compliance consistency ...

Payroll Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Purpose and Objective The Payroll Manager at AMIRI is responsible for executing day-to-day payroll operations and ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant payroll processing across the organization.

Payroll Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Purpose and Objective The Payroll Manager at AMIRI is responsible for executing day-to-day payroll operations and ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant payroll processing across the organization.

Manager, Payroll

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$150K - $177K/yr

  • Retirement

You will help manage the day-to-day payroll operations and drive continuous improvement within the function. This position will report to the Associate Director of Payroll. This is a hybrid role ...

Global Payroll Director

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$133K - $172K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Global Payroll Director, you will be responsible for overseeing and managing payroll operations across multiple countries and regions on a global scale. Your primary focus will be on developing ...

Showing results 41-60

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 18, 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:

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

Rio Tinto

Boron, CA • On-site

$130K - $154K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Rio Tinto rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 41 rated mining


Job description

Payroll Manager
  • Be part of a group that is safety driven and values inclusion
  • Join a leading global company offering strong career development opportunities
  • For California based roles the expected salary range is $130,000 - $154,000
  • Role based in Greater Los Angeles Area

We're Finding Better Ways to provide materials the world needs, now and in the future. Our values - care, courage and curiosity - guide how we work and how we treat each other.
About the role
We are looking for a Payroll Manager to lead and optimize end-to-end payroll operations while establishing strong global payroll governance across a complex, multi-jurisdictional environment.
This is a great opportunity for a results-driven and detail-oriented professional to design, stabilize during transition, and elevate payroll processes within a global organization. This role offers the opportunity to operate in a dynamic environment, supporting both local payroll execution and global oversight in a hybrid delivery model.
Reporting to the Manager Human Resources and working in a collaborative and fast-paced environment within the Human Resources team, you will be:
  • Overseeing the full payroll lifecycle, from timekeeping inputs through to net pay, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness
  • Leading the design and implementation of payroll operating models, including processes, controls, and service delivery frameworks
  • Ensuring compliance with all applicable payroll regulations, including multi-state and statutory requirements, while maintaining audit readiness
  • Establishing and enforcing global payroll governance standards to ensure alignment across regions and vendors
  • Managing payroll systems, integrations, and vendor relationships to support seamless data flows and operational efficiency
  • Partnering with HR, Finance, and IT to enhance payroll accuracy, drive continuous improvement, and resolve issues effectively
  • Leading payroll transition initiatives, including system implementations, parallel testing, and post-implementation stabilization
  • Building, coaching, and developing a high-performing payroll team while supporting a scalable, stand-alone operating model

About you
  • A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team
  • 7-10+ years of experience in U.S. payroll, including 3-5+ years in a leadership role managing payroll operations
  • Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll regulations and compliance requirements (California experience is considered an asset)
  • Experience working in complex environments such as unionized, industrial, manufacturing, or mining sectors
  • Proven experience with payroll systems and integrations (e.g., ADP, Workday, SAP, UKG, Oracle)
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills

Preferred:
  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation or equivalent
  • Experience supporting divestment, transformation, or stand-alone payroll setup
  • Exposure to global payroll governance or multi-country payroll operations

What we offer
Be recognised for your contribution, your thinking and your hard work, and go home knowing you've helped the world progress.
  • A work environment where safety is always the number one priority.
  • Competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with an annual incentive bonus.
  • Access to top-tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits.
  • Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution; Generous 401k matching program.
  • Attractive share ownership plan.
  • Comprehensive leave policies which cover all the moments that matter in life: PTO (paid time off), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave.
  • A generous parental leave policy, which ensures you're able to spend quality time with your new family.
  • Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Virgin Pulse with incentives supporting your wellbeing.
  • Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential counselling or expert guidance for you and your family to help get through life's challenges.

Where you'll be working
Rio Tinto Borates is a global leader in industrial mineral supply and science. We supply approximately 25% of the world's demand for refined borates, minerals essential to life and modern living. We seek to create mutual value by working closely with our investment partners and host communities. Our 20 Mule Team Borax brand pays tribute to our first borates mining operation in Death Valley in 1H872.
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs - striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can't do it on our own, so we're focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.
Respect and Inclusion
Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.
Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.

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