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Pwc Contractor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Oversee Canada payroll operations in partnership with our PwC Global Payroll Platform, developing ... not just contractors or mentorship relationships * Strong Workday experience - payroll module ...

Pwc Contractor information

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$82K

$127.6K

$205.4K

How much do pwc contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for pwc contractor in California is $127,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,700.00 and $155,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Pwc contractor?

A PwC Contractor is an independent professional hired on a temporary or project basis to support PwC’s consulting, audit, tax, or advisory services. Contractors typically work on specialized projects that require specific expertise, often collaborating with PwC teams while maintaining independent status. They may be engaged for short-term assignments or longer contracts depending on business needs. This role allows for flexibility while gaining experience with a leading professional services firm.

What types of projects or clients can a Pwc contractor expect to work with?

As a Pwc Contractor, you may engage with a wide range of clients across various industries, including finance, healthcare, technology, and public sector organizations. Project assignments can range from process improvement and financial analysis to technology implementation and regulatory compliance support, depending on your area of expertise. You'll often collaborate with both internal PwC teams and client stakeholders, adapting to new environments and priorities as needs shift. This variety offers valuable exposure and the opportunity to expand your professional network and skills. Contractors can expect a dynamic work environment where adaptability and continuous learning are encouraged.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Pwc contractor position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pwc Contractor, you should possess strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills, often supported by a relevant degree such as accounting, finance, or business. Familiarity with industry-standard software like Microsoft Excel, SAP, and data analytics tools, as well as certifications such as CPA or PMP, can be highly advantageous. Excellent communication, adaptability, and client relationship skills help contractors integrate with project teams and deliver tailored solutions. These competencies are crucial for effectively meeting client needs, maintaining high-quality standards, and succeeding in dynamic consulting environments.

What are popular job titles related to Pwc Contractor jobs in California?

For Pwc Contractor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Pwc Contractor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Pwc Contractor job openings:

Infographic showing various Pwc Contractor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, and 47% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $127,592 per year, or $61.3 per hour.

Director of Payroll

Anthropic

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

About the role

You'll own US and Canada payroll operations end-to-end - hands-on in Workday, close to the details - while also managing and developing 1-2 direct reports on the US team. You'll report directly to the Head of Global Payroll and be a key leader in making sure North American payroll keeps pace with Anthropic's growth.

Strategic importance: You'll be a key contributor to our compliance initiative - our framework for managing payroll tax obligations across US & Canada. You'll also be part of the team driving AI adoption within payroll: we're actively building out how AI tools can improve reconciliation accuracy, error detection, and reporting workflows. This isn't a future initiative - it's happening now.

Responsibilities 

US Payroll Operations

  • Own full-cycle payroll processing for all US entities - multi-state, multi-frequency, exempt and non-exempt populations
  • Process complex equity compensation including RSUs, ISOs, and NSOs, ensuring accurate tax withholding and timely reporting
  • Manage high-volume payments: bonuses, commissions, severance, and equity events
  • Oversee quarter-end, W-2 preparation, year-end reconciliations, and resolution of federal and state tax notices
  • Maintain and continuously improve Workday payroll configuration - identify automation opportunities and lead optimization initiatives

Canada Payroll Management

  • Oversee Canada payroll operations in partnership with our PwC Global Payroll Platform, developing expertise in CRA compliance, T4s, Records of Employment, and multi-province processing
  • Partner with our international payroll team to ensure Canada stays integrated into our global compliance posture
  • Build out Canada payroll SOPs as the function matures

Team Leadership & Development

  • Manage and develop 1-2 direct reports on the US payroll team - set clear expectations, provide regular feedback, and invest in their growth
  • Build a team culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement
  • Serve as the escalation point for complex payroll issues and employee inquiries

Cross-Functional Partnership & Compliance

  • Partner with Corporate Accounting on payroll journal entries, accruals, and month-end close
  • Work closely with Tax, Benefits, People Systems, and Employment Legal to ensure data integrity and compliance
  • Support audit readiness and internal & systems controls

AI Adoption & Process Improvement

  • Champion the use of AI tools within the payroll function - identify high-value use cases for reconciliation, anomaly detection, and reporting
  • Lead or support process improvement projects that reduce manual effort, increase accuracy, and improve the employee payroll experience
  • Document processes, build SOPs, and contribute to the team's knowledge infrastructure
You may be a good fit if you have
  • 8+ years of payroll experience, with at least 3 years in a senior or manager-level role owning US multi-state payroll end-to-end
  • Hold a CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification
  • Direct people management experience - you've managed at least one FTE directly, not just contractors or mentorship relationships
  • Strong Workday experience - payroll module preferred; HCM with direct payroll involvement and a clear path to Workday Payroll ownership is considered
  • Deep familiarity with equity compensation processing (RSUs, ISOs, NSOs) and the tax implications at both federal and state levels
  • Demonstrated ability to thrive in fast-moving, ambiguous environments - you build structure where none exists and don't wait for someone to hand you a playbook
  • Strong cross-functional instincts - you know how to build trust quickly, influence without authority, and communicate clearly across Finance, HR, Legal, and beyond
Strong candidates may also have
  • Canada payroll experience - even introductory exposure is valued; willingness to learn and grow into the function matters more than deep expertise on day one
  • Experimented with AI or automation tools to improve payroll workflows (reconciliation, error detection, reporting)
  • Been part of a Workday payroll implementation or major system migration
  • Worked at a company that scaled rapidly - from 500 to 2,000+ employees - and built payroll infrastructure to match
  • Experience in or exposure to IPO readiness, SOX compliance, or building financial controls from scratch