Payroll Operations Manager Jobs in Berkeley, CA (NOW HIRING)

We are hiring a Payroll Manager who is responsible for operational management, compliance, and continuous improvement of payroll services across Sequoia Living. This position oversees accurate and timely payroll processing for a multi-site workforce that includes exempt, non-exempt, union, non-union, full-time, part-time, on-call, per diem, and temporary team members.

The Payroll Manager serves as the organization's subject matter expert for payroll operations, payroll tax, wage and hour compliance, payroll systems, timekeeping, scheduling, leave integration, payroll accounting, and audits. The role partners closely with Human Resources, Benefits, Operations, Accounting, IT, and community leadership to ensure accurate, compliant, and efficient payroll administration.

The Payroll Manager develops payroll team capabilities, strengthens internal controls, supports system implementations and enhancements, and drives operational excellence through process improvement and automation.  

What You Will Do: 

Payroll Operations & Leadership

• Lead end-to-end payroll operations for union and non-union employees across multiple locations, ensuring accurate and timely processing.

• Oversee complex payroll transactions, including overtime, shift differentials, bonuses, retroactive pay, leave payments, final pay, PTO payouts, garnishments, deductions, and adjustments.

• Establish payroll priorities, service standards, controls, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Serve as the payroll subject matter expert for employees, managers, HR, Benefits, and operational leadership.

• Lead, coach, and develop payroll team members while fostering a service-oriented, accurate, and accountable culture.

ADP Workforce Now & Payroll Systems

• Serve as a subject matter expert for ADP Workforce Now (WFN), Workforce Manager (WFM), and Advanced Scheduler.

• Manage and optimize payroll, timekeeping, pay rules, accruals, scheduling configurations, approvals, reporting, and system integrations.

• Lead system implementations, upgrades, testing, troubleshooting, enhancements, and process redesign.

• Identify opportunities to automate processes and improve payroll accuracy, efficiency, and user experience.

Payroll Tax, Compliance & Wage and Hour

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax and wage and hour requirements, with particular expertise in California employment law and San Francisco ordinances.

• Oversee payroll tax filings, deposits, reconciliations, agency notices, year-end processing, W-2s, and required reporting.

• Monitor compliance related to overtime, meal and rest periods, paid sick leave, final pay, reporting time pay, timekeeping, and other wage and hour requirements.

• Conduct and support payroll audits, identify potential compliance gaps, and partner with HR and Operations on corrective action and best practices.

Benefits, Leaves & Retirement

• Oversee payroll administration related to Salary Continuation, Paid Family Leave, State Disability Insurance, Workers' Compensation, and other wage replacement programs.

• Partner with Benefits to ensure accurate deductions, employer contributions, eligibility, reconciliations, and payroll integrations.

• Coordinate payroll data integrity and transmission requirements for retirement plans, including 403(b) administration.

Union & Collective Bargaining Agreements

• Partner with HR and Operations to ensure payroll practices comply with applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).

• Administer wage adjustments, union dues, premium pay provisions, contract changes, and other payroll-related labor obligations. 

Why Work Here: 

• $150k - $170k

• For individuals who work more than 30 hrs/week, employer-paid medical, dental & vision, 18 days PTO + 8 holidays, 403(b) with employer contribution, tuition assistance, referral bonuses, employee discounts, and growth opportunities.

Who You Are: 

You enjoy working with people and have exceptional interpersonal skills. You can use tact and courtesy in dealing with residents under sometimes trying conditions. You can show patience and understanding. You enjoy variety in your day and enjoy a fast-paced environment. 

Required

• 5–7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including multi-site payroll, with 2–3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience.

• Strong hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now (WFN) and ADP Workforce Manager (WFM) or comparable timekeeping systems.

• Experience with Advanced Scheduler or complex scheduling/timekeeping functionality.

• Strong knowledge of payroll tax, compliance, and California and San Francisco wage and hour laws, including overtime, meal/rest periods, paid sick leave, final pay, timekeeping, and recordkeeping.

• Experience with payroll audits, reconciliations, controls, system configuration, and troubleshooting complex payroll issues.

• Strong Excel and payroll data analysis skills.

• Proven ability to lead and develop a team while remaining hands-on in day-to-day payroll operations.

• Excellent communication, judgment, attention to detail, confidentiality, and ability to manage competing deadlines.