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Virtual Payroll Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cosm

Director, Payroll

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$165K - $200K/yr

We help our partners create spaces and content that blur the lines of real and virtual across three ... Lead and oversee payroll operations for all U.S. & International employees, with an emphasis on ...

Associa

Payroll Administrator

San Ramon, CA · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

We have a Social Committee that organizes fun company events like our Summer Picnic, Holiday Celebration, and virtual team-building activities! How You'll Make an Impact The Payroll Administrator ...

SPAN

Payroll Analyst

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $132K/yr

S. payroll is executed with 100% accuracy and compliance. This role is far more than data entry ... OneSource Virtual (OSV), Sequoia, GoNavia, Empower, or HSA Bank. * CPP or FCP is a plus. Life at ...

Garney Construction

Certified Payroll Specialist

Tracy, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Virtual doctor visits with no co-pay * Shares of company stock at no cost starting your first day ... Payroll Specialist position, please click APPLY NOW to submit your application. To view additional ...

Garney Construction

Certified Payroll Specialist

Tracy, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Virtual doctor visits with no co-pay * Shares of company stock at no cost starting your first day ... Payroll Specialist position, please click APPLY NOW to submit your application. To view additional ...

Altman Specialty Plants

Jr Payroll Specialist

Vista, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Payroll Customer Service - Provide payroll customer service by effectively communicating with managers and employees through virtual and in-person interactions. * Address basic employee inquiries ...

Garney Construction

Certified Payroll Specialist

Tracy, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Virtual doctor visits with no co-pay * Shares of company stock at no cost starting your first day ... Payroll Specialist position, please click APPLY NOW to submit your application. To view additional ...

sealaska

This role can be hybrid or virtual within the state of California. Key Duties/Responsibilities • Lead and execute end-to-end weekly payroll processing for 100+ employees across union, non-union ...

sealaska

This role can be hybrid or virtual within the state of California. Key Duties/Responsibilities • Lead and execute end-to-end weekly payroll processing for 100+ employees across union, non-union ...

Sealaska

Construction Payroll Manager

Signal Hill, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

This role can be hybrid or virtual within the state of California. Key Duties/Responsibilities • Lead and execute end-to-end weekly payroll processing for 100+ employees across union, non-union ...

sealaska

This role can be hybrid or virtual within the state of California. Key Duties/Responsibilities • Lead and execute end-to-end weekly payroll processing for 100+ employees across union, non-union ...

sealaska

This role can be hybrid or virtual within the state of California. Key Duties/Responsibilities • Lead and execute end-to-end weekly payroll processing for 100+ employees across union, non-union ...

sealaska

This role can be hybrid or virtual within the state of California. Key Duties/Responsibilities • Lead and execute end-to-end weekly payroll processing for 100+ employees across union, non-union ...

Woocheen

Construction Payroll Manager

Signal Hill, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

This role can be hybrid or virtual within the state of California. Key Duties/Responsibilities • Lead and execute end-to-end weekly payroll processing for 100+ employees across union, non-union ...

sealaska

This role can be hybrid or virtual within the state of California. Key Duties/Responsibilities • Lead and execute end-to-end weekly payroll processing for 100+ employees across union, non-union ...

Fashion Nova

Payroll Specialist

Santa Fe Springs, CA

$23.50 - $32/hr

You will be responsible for processing payroll for approximately 3500+ employees at the Fashion ... virtual meetings. Occasional standing may be required during in-person meetings or when visiting ...

Fashion Nova

Payroll Specialist

Santa Fe Springs, CA · On-site

$23.50 - $32/hr

You will be responsible for processing payroll for approximately 3500+ employees at the Fashion ... virtual meetings. Occasional standing may be required during in-person meetings or when visiting ...

Synchrony Financial

The VP, Global Payroll leads Synchrony's global payroll delivery across the United States, Canada ... You will be required to commute to your nearestHub (either virtual or physical) for in-person ...

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All JobsPayroll JobsVirtual Payroll JobsVirtual Payroll Jobs in California

Virtual Payroll information

What is the difference between Virtual Payroll vs Bookkeeper?

AspectVirtual PayrollBookkeeper
Primary RoleProcessing employee wages, tax filings, and payroll complianceRecording financial transactions, maintaining ledgers, and reconciling accounts
Required CredentialsPayroll certifications or related training often preferredBookkeeping or accounting certifications
Work EnvironmentRemote or online payroll processingOffice or remote bookkeeping tasks
Industry UsageHR, finance, and payroll service providersAccounting firms, small businesses, and finance departments

While both Virtual Payroll and Bookkeeper roles involve financial tasks, Virtual Payroll focuses specifically on processing employee wages and payroll compliance, often requiring specialized payroll certifications. Bookkeepers handle broader financial record-keeping and account management. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers identify the right role based on skills and responsibilities.

What is a virtual payroll specialist?

Virtual payroll jobs include bookkeeper positions in which you process payments for employees, perform accounting duties related to payroll, analyze your client’s payroll operations, and provide data entry services. You work from home and handle your responsibilities online or over the telephone. A remote payroll clerk processes payroll information and enters data related to insurance, benefits payments, and other variables that go into figuring out an employee’s paycheck. Remote payroll specialists handle payroll accounts for a business and update the payroll system when necessary. Some payroll workers handle other bookkeeping and accounting tasks in addition to overseeing payroll operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a virtual payroll specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Virtual Payroll Specialist, you need strong knowledge of payroll regulations, attention to detail, and experience with payroll processing, typically supported by a degree in accounting or a related field. Familiarity with payroll software such as ADP, QuickBooks, or Paychex, as well as relevant certifications like the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC), is important. Excellent organizational skills, confidentiality, and clear communication help you stand out in managing sensitive employee data and remote collaboration. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring accurate, timely payroll processing and maintaining compliance in a virtual work environment.

How does a virtual payroll professional typically collaborate with HR and finance teams to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing?

As a Virtual Payroll professional, you will frequently coordinate with HR teams to verify employee data, such as new hires, terminations, and leave balances, and with finance teams to confirm funding and resolve discrepancies. This collaboration often happens through secure digital platforms, regular virtual meetings, and shared documentation. Clear communication and attention to detail are essential, as payroll accuracy directly affects employee satisfaction and compliance. Building strong virtual working relationships is key to streamlining processes and addressing issues promptly.
More about Virtual Payroll jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Payroll jobs in California? The most popular types of Payroll jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Virtual Payroll jobs in California? For Virtual Payroll jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Virtual Payroll jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Virtual Payroll jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Virtual Payroll jobs? Cities in California with the most Virtual Payroll job openings:
Virtual Payroll jobs near you
Infographic showing various Virtual Payroll job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Hybrid job distribution.

Director, Payroll

Cosm

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$165K - $200K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Cosm is a global technology company that brings experiences to life in immersive environments. We help our partners create spaces and content that blur the lines of real and virtual across three primary markets: Sports and Entertainment, Science and Education, and Parks and Attractions. Cosm was born from the fusion of some of the greatest innovators in the history of technology. Evans & Sutherland, Spitz, Inc., and Cosm Immersive combined forces to power the immersive experiences of the future as Cosm. Innovation is in our DNA.
IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM THE COSM HUMAN RESOURCES & RECRUITING TEAM REGARDING A RECRUITING SCAM: Your security and trust matter to us. Please note that Cosm Recruiters will ALWAYS communicate with you from an official "@Cosm.com" email address or through authorized platforms such as LinkedIn. We will NEVER request payments, banking details, or personal financial information during the recruitment process. If you receive a suspicious communication or job offer claiming to be from Cosm, please do not respond or share personal information. For official Cosm opportunities, always visit www.cosm.com/careers.
Summary:
We are looking for an experienced Director of Payroll to lead payroll operations across our growing, multi-state organization. This leader will be accountable for building, managing, and scaling a best-in-class payroll function that supports Cosm's rapid growth and complex operations, including our venue-based ("four-wall") businesses. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of California payroll laws, has scaled payroll processes across multiple states, and thrives in fast-paced, high-growth environments.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead and oversee payroll operations for all U.S. & International employees, with an emphasis on compliance, accuracy, and efficiency.
  • Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll and wage-and-hour regulations, with expert knowledge of California requirements.
  • Design, implement, and scale payroll processes that support high-volume, hourly, and salaried employee populations across multiple venues and corporate functions.
  • Partner closely with Finance, Human Resources & Venue operations to align payroll with business needs, labor models, and venue schedules.
  • Manage relationships with payroll vendors and technology platforms, driving automation and system improvements.
  • Oversee tax reporting, garnishments, and benefits-related deductions.
  • Develop and track KPIs for payroll operations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and high employee satisfaction.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing insights on payroll trends, compliance risks, and labor cost optimization.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop payroll team members to support company-wide growth.

Experience:
  • 15+ years of progressive payroll experience, including 5+ years of leadership experience of a payroll function at scale.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance preferred
  • Proven background in four-wall businesses (e.g., entertainment, hospitality, retail, or venue-based operations) with large, hourly employee populations.
  • Deep expertise in California payroll laws (meal/rest break compliance, split-shift rules, overtime, wage statements, etc.) with proven success managing compliance at scale.
  • Experience supporting multi-state payroll, ideally across large, complex organizations.
  • Strong excel and systems knowledge. Experience with Ceridian Dayforce a plus.
  • Exceptional attention to detail, process discipline, and ability to work under tight deadlines.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to partner effectively with senior executives, operations leaders, and employees across the business.
  • CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification preferred.

The annualized base salary range for this position in California is $165,000- $200,000. The base salary offered will factor in internal equity and may also vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and relevant experience, among other factors.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of employment. This requirement is in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local labor laws. Cosm is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

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