Payroll Manager

Optimum HR LLC•Santa Ana, CA

17d•$85,000 - $115,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Optimum HR provides small and midsize companies with comprehensive human resources services and support. Our team is known for responsive, high-touch service and a collaborative approach to solving problems for our clients. The Payroll Manager leads the payroll team and oversees accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations. This position manages team performance and client workload distribution, resolves escalated client issues, coordinates cross-functional initiatives, and contributes payroll expertise to management planning and strategic decision-making.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required
Minimum of three years of payroll experience (including complex, multi-state, high-volume, or multi-client payroll processing)
Minimum of two years of experience directly managing or leading employees (including coaching, performance management, and accountability)
Experience with payroll and HCM systems
Experience handling escalated client issues and communicating complex payroll matters clearly and professionally
Strong problem-solving and organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and firm deadlines.
Clear, confident communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, finance, human resources, or a related field preferred
isolved or PEO industry experience preferred
FPC or Payroll Certification preferred

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop the payroll team, setting clear expectations and creating accountability for performance and service.
Oversee accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across a complex, multi-client environment.
Balance team capacity and client workloads based on complexity, deadlines, service needs, and employee strengths.
Serve as the escalation point for complex payroll and client-service issues, guiding problems through resolution.
Monitor payroll accuracy, deadlines, service levels, workload, and recurring issues and take action when improvement is needed.
Lead and support a hybrid team through consistent communication, collaboration, and accountability.
Partner with departments across the organization on payroll-related projects, system changes, process improvements, and operational issues.
Bring payroll expertise to management discussions, identifying risks and recommending improvements to staffing, processes, technology, and client service.
Stay current on payroll practices and applicable federal and state requirements and ensure changes are effectively implemented.