Payroll Lead/Manager

GILLIG•Livermore, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

We are looking for an experienced Payroll Lead/Manager to oversee and execute end-to-end payroll operations during a critical period of stabilization and optimization. This role is hands-on and highly visible, with responsibility for ensuring payroll accuracy, compliance, and system effectiveness across the organization. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll , UKG Time & Attendance (Kronos) , and advanced Excel to support payroll analysis, reconciliations, audits, and reporting. Your ultimate goal will be to maintain compliance, streamline payroll procedures for efficiency, and stay current with payroll regulations and best practices. As the Payroll Lead, you will play a vital role in safeguarding the financial well-being of the organization and ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time. This is an on-site, temporary position at our Livermore, CA Headquarters and reports to the Director of Human Resources.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Accounting, or related field; professional certification (CPP, CPM) preferred
Minimum of 7 years of progressive payroll and compliance experience
Hands-on experience with SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll (required)
Hands-on experience with UKG Time & Attendance (Kronos) (required)
Immediate to advanced Excel proficiency, including complex formulas, pivot tables, reconciliations, and payroll analysis
Strong knowledge of payroll compliance, wage and hour laws, and best practices
Experience leading payroll operations, projects, or teams
Excellent understanding of multi-location payroll and taxation
High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience with Wisely paycard and ADP payment solutions (preferred)

Responsibilities

Lead and manage end-to-end payroll processing for hourly and salaried employees
Oversee and direct corporate payroll procedures, ensuring timely and accurate payroll execution
Research and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, garnishments, deductions (SUI, SDI, etc.), earnings, and tax regulations
Maintain professional and technical knowledge of all payroll-related laws and regulations, including multi-state payroll and taxation
Ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll updates, including new hires, terminations, merit increases, pay rate changes, and manual/off-cycle checks
Resolve complex payroll issues, including retro pay, corrections, garnishments, and adjustments
Oversee payroll audits, reconciliations, tax filings, and year-end activities (e.g., W-2s)
Serve as a subject matter expert for SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll
Support payroll integrations and data accuracy between UKG Time & Attendance (Kronos) and SuccessFactors
Implement, maintain, and review payroll processing systems (timekeeping, HRIS, payroll) to ensure accuracy and compliance
Lead payroll data analysis, reconciliations, and audits using advanced Excel (pivot tables, complex formulas, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, data validation)
Maintain accurate payroll records and reports
Identify, recommend, and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and internal controls
Collaborate closely with HR, HRIS, and Finance to draft and maintain payroll procedures and compliance documentation
Partner with Finance and tax teams to support payroll tax setup for new states (e.g., EDD, SUI, state tax registrations)
Manage all payroll-related audits and financial reporting requirements in collaboration with Finance and external auditors
Act as a lead for payroll staff (depending on level), providing guidance, training, and oversight
Support HR and business leaders with payroll reporting, insights, and issue resolution
Assist with company events and HR programs as needed
Perform other duties as assigned