Director of Payroll - Hybrid | Irvine, CA

Trinity Property Consultants • Irvine, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

We're looking for a Director of Payroll who wants to own something significant: a complex, multi-state operation with real visibility, a direct line to the Chief People Officer, and room to build the processes and systems that will carry us into our next chapter. Payroll isn't a back-office function here; it's a strategic pillar of how we take care of our people.

Requirements

• Deep payroll expertise and leadership instincts to run a function not just a team.
• Strong internal controls mindset: think in reconciliations, audit trails, and SOPs.
• Advanced, hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now or comparable enterprise payroll platforms and benefits administration systems.
• Comfort operating across benefits administration; need to be a confident owner of the function with support around you.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• 8–12+ years of progressive payroll leadership experience, including multi-state compliance and high-volume hourly workforce environments (1,000+ employees).
• Bachelor's degree required.

Nice To Haves

• CPP/SHRM certification a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end payroll operations for 1,500+ employees across multiple states including a significant hourly and field workforce.
• Own compliance (wage/hour laws, multi-state tax, garnishments, W-2/1095 reporting), internal controls, and the accuracy and timeliness of every cycle.
• Lead and develop the payroll team, setting clear goals and service standards.
• Own ADP Workforce Now and ADP Workforce Manager: configuration, audits, integrations, and improvements.
• Partner with Finance on GL mapping, accruals, funding, and monthly reconciliations.
• Build dashboards and reporting for leadership on payroll accuracy, cycle metrics, and audit findings.
• Drive process improvements that reduce cycle time and increase self-service adoption.
• Partner closely with external brokers and a benefits-experienced team member to ensure programs run smoothly and employees are well-served.
• Oversee open enrollment planning and execution with broker support.
• Ensure accurate pay treatment and benefit continuation through leave of absence events.
• Maintain compliance across medical, dental, vision, FSA/HSA, 401(k), and disability plans.
• Coordinate workers' compensation reporting and vendor relationships.
• Lead payroll and benefits audits, year-end processes, and compliance testing.
• Maintain compliance calendars, SOPs, and documentation; proactively surface risk to leadership.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the CPO and executive leadership on payroll, benefits, and workforce risk.
• Partner with Finance and IT on systems, compensation programs, and organizational changes.
• Build a service-oriented, high-accountability team culture.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision: company-paid individual PPO-HSA plan (with $1,200 annual employer contribution); HMO options for California residents. Dental and vision premiums are fully covered for employees; coverage for dependents is available at an additional cost.
• Retirement Plans (401K): The company matches 1/3 of the employee's contribution up to 2% of the salary.
• Life & Disability Insurance: Up to $100,000 of life insurance and AD&D coverage, plus short- and long-term disability insurance. In addition, supplemental life for the employee, spouse, and children.
• Time Off: 11 paid holidays, 2–4 weeks of vacation based on years of service, and sick leave provided in compliance with state and local requirements.
• Referral Bonuses: $1,000 for eligible employee referrals.
• Volunteer Time Off: Up to 16 hours annually (8 for personal volunteer activities, 8 for company-sponsored events).
• Perks: Professional development, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director