Payroll Director

LAcarGUY•Hawthorne, CA

5d•$135,000 - $155,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced and highly analytical Payroll Director to lead payroll operations for a growing multi-location automotive dealership group. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of payroll administration, compliance, reporting, and payroll process improvement across multiple dealership entities. The ideal candidate will bring strong California payroll law expertise, experience managing complex compensation structures, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. We are looking for a payroll leader who is proactive, detail-oriented, compliance-focused, and committed to operational excellence.

Requirements

Minimum 7 years of payroll experience, including substantial California payroll experience
Strong knowledge of California wage and hour laws required
Multi-state and multi-entity payroll experience preferred
Automotive dealership payroll experience strongly preferred
Experience with commission-based and technician compensation structures highly preferred
Strong understanding of payroll tax regulations and payroll compliance requirements
Proficiency with ADP Workforce Now
CDK experience preferred
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills required
Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and problem-solving abilities
CPP or FPC certification preferred
18 years or older required
All potential employees must pass pre-employment testing including a background check and drug screen

Nice To Haves

Multi-state and multi-entity payroll experience
Automotive dealership payroll experience
Experience with commission-based and technician compensation structures
CDK experience
CPP or FPC certification

Responsibilities

Oversee weekly and semi-monthly payroll processing for multiple dealership locations
Ensure accurate processing of commissions, technician flat-rate pay, bonuses, incentives, overtime, garnishments, and deductions
Serve as the subject matter expert on California payroll compliance and wage and hour laws
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including: Meal and rest period premiums, Overtime and double-time calculations, Final pay requirements, Wage statement compliance, Sick leave requirements
Partner with HR, Accounting, and dealership leadership to resolve payroll issues and improve processes
Reconcile payroll transactions and support payroll-related accounting functions
Manage payroll audits, tax reporting, W-2 processing, and year-end activities
Identify opportunities for automation, operational efficiencies, and process improvements
Generate payroll reporting and labor analytics for leadership review
Lead and support payroll staff while maintaining high standards of accuracy and customer service