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Payroll Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Fortinet

Global Payroll Director

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$133K - $172K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Oversee end-to-end global payroll operations, ensuring accurate and timely processing for multiple countries and regions. * Establish and maintain strong relationships with local payroll providers ...

Fortinet, Inc.

Global Payroll Director

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$133K - $172K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Oversee end-to-end global payroll operations, ensuring accurate and timely processing for multiple countries and regions. * Establish and maintain strong relationships with local payroll providers ...

Restaurant365

VP, Payroll Operations and Services

Irvine, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We're looking for a Vice President of Payroll Operations and Services to own the end-to-end infrastructure that keeps payroll running accurately, compliantly, and reliably for thousands of restaurant ...

Moloco

Payroll Manager

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

  • Retirement

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 ...

Restaurant365

$200K - $260K/yr

We're looking for a Vice President of Payroll Operations and Services to own the end-to-end infrastructure that keeps payroll running accurately, compliantly, and reliably for thousands of restaurant ...

Joe's shop not bait

Payroll Processor

Orange, CA

Maintains payroll operations by following policies and procedures; reporting needed changes. * Maintains employee confidence and protects payroll operations by keeping information confidential.

Fortinet, Inc.

Global Payroll Director

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$133K - $172K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Oversee end-to-end global payroll operations, ensuring accurate and timely processing for multiple countries and regions. * Establish and maintain strong relationships with local payroll providers ...

Zoomcar

Global Payroll Director

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$133.10 - $172.30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Oversee end‑to‑end global payroll operations, ensuring accurate and timely processing for multiple countries and regions. * Establish and maintain strong relationships with local payroll ...

Sequoia Living

Payroll Manager

San Francisco, CA

$150K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Qualcomm

Sr Manager Global Payroll & Time

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

Key Responsibilities Global Payroll Operations Responsible for strategic and operational leadership of global payroll operations supporting a multi-billion-dollar annual payroll program, including ...

Redwood

Payroll Manager

Chino Hills, CA · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Sequoia Living

Payroll Manager

San Francisco, CA

$150K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Robert Half

Payroll Administrator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$19.79 - $22.91/hr

We are looking for a Payroll Administrator to support payroll operations for a manufacturing organization in Los Angeles, California. This Contract opportunity is ideal for someone who brings strong ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPayroll Operations JobsPayroll Operations Jobs in California

Payroll Operations information

See California salary details

$41.5K

$88.2K

$131.3K

How much do payroll operations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for payroll operations 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 is payroll operations?

Payroll Operations refers to the processes and systems involved in managing employee compensation within an organization. This includes calculating wages, withholding taxes, distributing paychecks, and maintaining payroll records. Payroll Operations also ensure compliance with legal regulations and company policies regarding employee pay. The goal is to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time while adhering to all relevant laws and guidelines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in payroll operations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Payroll Operations, you need a strong grasp of payroll processes, tax regulations, and compliance standards, usually backed by experience in finance or accounting. Familiarity with payroll software like ADP, SAP, or Workday, and certifications such as Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) are commonly expected. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to communicate clearly with employees and management set top performers apart. These skills are essential for ensuring accurate, timely payroll processing and maintaining compliance with legal requirements.

What are common challenges faced in payroll operations, and how can new team members effectively handle them?

A common challenge in Payroll Operations is ensuring absolute accuracy and compliance with ever-changing tax regulations and company policies. New team members often need to quickly become proficient with specialized payroll software while managing tight deadlines, especially during pay cycles. To handle these challenges effectively, it’s important to regularly communicate with HR and finance departments, stay updated on legal requirements, and develop strong attention to detail. Many organizations provide ongoing training and encourage collaboration, which helps new hires build confidence and perform efficiently.

What is the difference between Payroll Operations vs Payroll Specialist?

AspectPayroll OperationsPayroll Specialist
Primary FocusOversees end-to-end payroll processes, including system management and complianceProcesses payroll, verifies data, and ensures accurate employee payments
Required CredentialsKnowledge of payroll systems, HRIS, and compliance regulationsSimilar credentials, often with payroll certification or related training
Work EnvironmentTypically in HR or payroll departments, handling multiple payroll functionsIn HR or payroll teams, focusing on data entry and payroll processing

Payroll Operations roles generally involve managing the entire payroll process and systems, while Payroll Specialists focus on executing payroll tasks. Both roles require similar skills and certifications, but Payroll Operations has a broader scope and strategic responsibilities.

Is payroll operations a stressful job?

Payroll operations can be stressful due to strict deadlines, the need for accuracy, and handling sensitive employee data. The role often requires attention to detail, proficiency with payroll software, and the ability to manage workload during peak periods such as month-end processing.

What are the top 3 skills for a payroll operations position?

Payroll operations professionals need strong attention to detail to ensure accurate processing, proficiency with payroll software and spreadsheets, and good knowledge of payroll laws and regulations. Effective communication skills are also important for coordinating with employees and other departments. These skills help ensure timely and compliant payroll processing in a fast-paced environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Payroll Operations jobs in California?

The most popular types of Payroll Operations jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Payroll Operations jobs in California?

For Payroll Operations jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Payroll Operations jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Payroll Operations jobs in California are:

Payroll Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payroll Operations job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,225 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

VP, Payroll Operations and Services

Restaurant365

Irvine, CA • On-site

$200K - $260K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Restaurant365 is a SaaS company disrupting the restaurant industry! Our cloud-based platform provides a unique, centralized solution for accounting and back-office operations for restaurants. Restaurant365’s culture is focused on empowering team members to produce top-notch results while elevating their skills. We’re constantly evolving and improving to make sure we are and always will be “Best in Class” ... and we want that for you too!

***This role requires a hybrid work schedule based out of one of our office locations: Austin, TX; Irvine, CA; Bay Area, CA; Denver, CO; or Akron, OH. ***

Restaurant365 is one of the fastest-growing SaaS platforms in the restaurant industry, and our payroll operations are scaling to match. We’re looking for a Vice President of Payroll Operations and Services to own the end-to-end infrastructure that keeps payroll running accurately, compliantly, and reliably for thousands of restaurant operators nationwide.

This is a high-impact, high-visibility leadership role. You’ll build and refine the operational systems, compliance frameworks, and team structures that protect our customers and enable the company to scale. You’ll work closely with Product, Finance, Legal, and Customer Success — and serve as the primary customer voice for payroll operations, ensuring our clients experience the reliability, transparency, and service quality they depend on.

If you’ve spent your career building payroll operations at scale in a SaaS environment and you’re ready to own the whole function, this role was built for you.

How you'll add value: Operational Excellence

You’ll oversee the full delivery of payroll and financial operations — accuracy, timeliness, client satisfaction — and continuously raise the bar. That means streamlining workflows, automating wherever possible, and building KPI frameworks that keep the team accountable and ahead of issues before they become problems.

Financial Controls & Fiduciary Oversight

You’ll own everything related to payroll funds: proper segregation, secure movement, accurate funding, and daily reconciliations. You’ll ensure timely and compliant payroll tax filings across all federal, state, and local jurisdictions — including year-end reporting — and maintain the internal controls (approval workflows, audit readiness, GL alignment) that protect our clients and the company.

Compliance & Regulatory Management

You’ll be the executive point of escalation for tax authority notices, audits, and compliance matters. You’ll monitor regulatory changes across jurisdictions, update policies and procedures proactively, and develop training programs that embed compliance awareness across the organization.

Strategic Growth

You’ll partner with the executive team to shape the strategic direction of the function — identifying market trends, managing cost-to-serve, and building the organizational infrastructure needed to support a rapidly growing client base.

Client & Vendor Relationships

You’ll build trusted partnerships with our clients and with the financial institutions and technology vendors that support our operations — ensuring that every relationship is anchored in transparency, reliability, and regulatory soundness.

Team Leadership

You’ll lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing team. That includes recruiting top talent, building career paths, and creating a culture where accountability and continuous improvement aren’t just values — they’re how work gets done.

What you'll need to be successful in this role: What Success Looks Like in Year One
  • Payroll operations are running with measurably improved accuracy, speed, and compliance consistency across all client accounts
  • A scalable compliance and internal controls framework is in place and audit-ready
  • Key operational KPIs are defined, tracked, and trending in the right direction
  • The team has a clear organizational structure with strong second-line leaders developing beneath you
  • Cross-functional relationships with Product, Finance, and CS are functioning as true partnerships, with payroll operations embedded into the product roadmap process
What You’ll Bring
  • 12+ years of progressive leadership in payroll and financial operations, with substantial experience in a SaaS-based payroll or payroll services organization supporting multi-entity, multi-state clients
  • 5+ years of direct ownership over payroll tax compliance — federal, state, and local — including filings, remittances, wage and hour adherence, and audit response in complex, multi-jurisdiction environments
  • Demonstrated ability to build and scale high-performing operations teams, including QA frameworks, compliance programs, and structured process improvement
  • Strong financial management skills: payroll liabilities, funding models, reconciliation, margin performance, and cost-to-serve within a recurring revenue business
  • Experience overseeing payment operations and banking relationships, including ACH processing, NACHA compliance, funding risk management, and fraud mitigation
  • Hands-on familiarity with payroll platforms, tax engines, accounting systems, and treasury workflows — with enough technical fluency to be a meaningful partner to Product and Engineering
  • Exceptional communication and executive presence; the ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into clear operational and client-facing strategies
  • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field required
  • MBA, CPA, CPP, or equivalent professional certification preferred
  • Prior experience in banking, financial services, or regulated payment environments is a plus
  • Experience supporting the hospitality or restaurant industry is a strong plus
R365 Team Member Benefits & Perks
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 401k + matching
  • Equity Option Grant
  • Unlimited PTO + Company holidays
  • Wellness initiatives
Internal Employees - R365 is committed to growing talent from within.  If you see a role that excites you and you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply -regardless of your current location or work arrangement.  Reach out to your People Business Partner if you have questions.
Why join our amazing team?

We’re a product-led company that takes operations seriously. Our platform is the back-office backbone for restaurants across the country — and payroll is one of the most critical services we deliver. The team you’ll lead does work that matters to real businesses and real people every day.

We’re committed to building a culture where strong performers thrive, careers grow, and the best ideas win — regardless of where they come from.

 
#BI-Remote
Internal Employees - R365 is committed to growing talent from within.  If you see a role that excites you and you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply -regardless of your current location or work arrangement.  Reach out to your People Business Partner if you have questions.
 

DYN365, Inc d/b/a Restaurant365 is an equal opportunity employer.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.