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Payroll Project Manager Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Payroll Manager

Santa Ana, CA · On-site +1

$85K - $115K/yr

Partner with departments across the organization on payroll-related projects, system changes, process improvements, and operational issues. * Bring payroll expertise to management discussions ...

Payroll Specialist

Ontario, CA

$23.50 - $32/hr

Work closely with Accounting, HR, and Project Management to ensure payroll accuracy. What We're Looking For * 3+ years of payroll experience in the construction industry. * Experience processing ...

Payroll Specialist

Ontario, CA · On-site

$23.50 - $32/hr

Work closely with Accounting, HR, and Project Management to ensure payroll accuracy. What We're Looking For * 3+ years of payroll experience in the construction industry. * Experience processing ...

PROJECT MANAGER, PRINCIPAL Provides direction and management for medium to large-sized projects and ... payroll operations, etc. - Acts as the Company representative with the client and selected ...

PROJECT MANAGER, PRINCIPAL Provides direction and management for medium to large-sized projects and ... payroll operations, etc. - Acts as the Company representative with the client and selected ...

Collaborate with internal teams including HR, accounting, and project management to ensure accurate payroll data * Coordinate with external stakeholders such as general contractors, subcontractors ...

Collaborate with internal teams including HR, accounting, and project management to ensure accurate payroll data * Coordinate with external stakeholders such as general contractors, subcontractors ...

Payroll Clerk

Colton, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

THE ROLE The Payroll Clerk is a detail-oriented, compliance-focused support role responsible for ... project, coordinating responses with Compliance and Management. * Process salary adjustments ...

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Payroll Specialist

San Dimas, CA · On-site

$75K - $88K/yr

Maintains project set up and prevailing wages in JD Edwards and Elation Systems, based on the ... Excellent customer service skills and responsiveness in dealing with vendors, managers and ...

THE ROLE The Payroll Clerk is a detail-oriented, compliance-focused support role responsible for ... project, coordinating responses with Compliance and Management. * Process salary adjustments ...

Payroll Clerk

Colton, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

THE ROLE The Payroll Clerk is a detail-oriented, compliance-focused support role responsible for ... project, coordinating responses with Compliance and Management. * Process salary adjustments ...

Our team-oriented, collaborative approach ensures that every project is a blend of visionary design ... This is an onsite position where you'll partner closely with the Payroll Manager and collaborate ...

Payroll Lead/Coordinator

Irvine, CA · On-site

$62K - $92K/yr

Our team-oriented, collaborative approach ensures that every project is a blend of visionary design ... This is an onsite position where you'll partner closely with the Payroll Manager and collaborate ...

Showing results 21-40

Payroll Project Manager information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$43.8K

$93.3K

$138.8K

How much do payroll project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for payroll project manager in Riverside, CA is $93,264.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,100.00 and $108,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Payroll Project Manager, you need expertise in payroll processes, project management methodologies, and a solid understanding of compliance regulations, often supported by a degree in business or finance. Familiarity with payroll software systems (such as ADP or SAP), project management tools, and certifications like PMP or CPP are typically required. Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills help in managing cross-functional teams and ensuring smooth project delivery. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure accurate payroll execution, compliance with legal standards, and successful project implementation within deadlines.

What are some common challenges faced by payroll project managers during system implementations?

Payroll Project Managers often encounter challenges such as aligning project timelines with payroll cycles, ensuring data integrity during migration, and managing compliance with local and international regulations. Coordinating across multiple departments, such as HR, IT, and finance, can also present difficulties due to varying priorities and workflows. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and a clear understanding of both technical and payroll-specific requirements are essential to navigating these challenges successfully.

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

AspectPayroll Project ManagerPayroll Specialist
CertificationsCPP, FPC, PMP often preferredCPP, FPC common
Work EnvironmentOversees payroll projects, manages teamsHandles payroll processing, data entry
Employer UsageUsed in organizations with complex payroll systemsCommon in HR and payroll departments

The Payroll Project Manager focuses on managing payroll-related projects, ensuring timely implementation and process improvements, often requiring project management certifications. The Payroll Specialist handles day-to-day payroll processing tasks, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Both roles are essential but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Payroll Project Manager jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Payroll Project Manager jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Payroll Project Manager jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Payroll Project Manager jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Payroll Project Manager jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Payroll Project Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Payroll Project Manager job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,264 per year, or $44.8 per hour.

Payroll Manager

Optimum HR LLC

Santa Ana, CA • On-site, Remote

$85K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Location: Remote within Southern California| Occasional work in our Santa Ana office may be required

Want to work for a great company with competitive pay, excellent benefits, and opportunities for career growth? Optimum HR has been voted one of Orange County's Best Places to Work for the past 10 years, and we're looking for an experienced payroll professional and people leader to join our team as Payroll Manager.

Optimum HR provides small and midsize companies with comprehensive human resources services and support. Our team is known for responsive, high-touch service and a collaborative approach to solving problems for our clients.

About the Role

The Payroll Manager leads the payroll team and oversees accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations. This position manages team performance and client workload distribution, resolves escalated client issues, coordinates cross-functional initiatives, and contributes payroll expertise to management planning and strategic decision-making.

What You'll Do

  • Lead, coach, and develop the payroll team, setting clear expectations and creating accountability for performance and service.
  • Oversee accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across a complex, multi-client environment.
  • Balance team capacity and client workloads based on complexity, deadlines, service needs, and employee strengths.
  • Serve as the escalation point for complex payroll and client-service issues, guiding problems through resolution.
  • Monitor payroll accuracy, deadlines, service levels, workload, and recurring issues and take action when improvement is needed.
  • Lead and support a hybrid team through consistent communication, collaboration, and accountability.
  • Partner with departments across the organization on payroll-related projects, system changes, process improvements, and operational issues.
  • Bring payroll expertise to management discussions, identifying risks and recommending improvements to staffing, processes, technology, and client service.
  • Stay current on payroll practices and applicable federal and state requirements and ensure changes are effectively implemented.

What We're Looking For

  • High school diploma or GED required; bachelor's degree in business, accounting, finance, human resources, or a related field preferred.
  • Minimum of three years of payroll experience (including complex, multi-state, high-volume, or multi-client payroll processing) and/or minimum of two years of experience directly managing or leading employees (including coaching, performance management, and accountability) preferred
  • Experience with payroll and HCM systems; isolved or PEO industry experience preferred
  • FPC or Payroll Certification preferred
  • Experience handling escalated client issues and communicating complex payroll matters clearly and professionally
  • Strong problem-solving and organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and firm deadlines.
  • Clear, confident communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.

Work Location Requirements

This position is primarily remote within Southern California, with in-office attendance in Santa Ana approximately 1–2 times per month. Additional on-site attendance may occasionally be needed for meetings, training, company events, or other business needs.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $85,000 - $115,000 per year, depending on experience, skills, education, and other relevant factors. In addition to competitive compensation, Optimum HR offers a generous benefits package and a collaborative, team-focused culture.

If you're an experienced payroll professional who enjoys leading people, solving challenging problems, and improving how things get done, we'd love to hear from you.