Payroll Manager

Proper Hospitality Careers•Santa Monica, CA

About The Position

The Payroll Manager oversees accurate and timely payroll processing for all employees and ensures compliance with company policies and applicable labor and tax regulations. The role manages compensation processing, payroll records, employee data updates, benefit deductions, garnishments, payroll tax filings, audits, and payroll reporting. It works closely with HR, finance, accounting, IT, benefits providers, department managers, employees, and senior management. The position leads and trains the payroll team, supports team performance and development, and improves payroll processes and systems through workflow reviews, automation, and system enhancements. The role requires strong payroll, tax, benefits, accounting, reporting, leadership, and confidentiality skills. A bachelor's degree in a related field and CPP certification are preferred; at least five years of payroll experience, including two to three years in a managerial or supervisory role, is specified.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in payroll processing.
At least 2–3 years of experience in a managerial or supervisory role.
In-depth knowledge of payroll systems, tax regulations, benefits administration, and employment laws.
Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and accounting principles.
Excellent attention to detail and ability to identify errors and discrepancies.
Strong analytical skills and ability to generate and interpret reports.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
Strong leadership and team management abilities.
High level of confidentiality and integrity when handling sensitive information.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact effectively with employees and senior management.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and payroll software.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
Experience with payroll software such as UKG, ADP, or Evention, and with HRIS systems.
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Oversee timely and accurate payroll processing for all employees, including wages, bonuses, commissions, overtime, and deductions.
Ensure payroll data, such as hours worked, paid time off, and benefits, is accurately maintained in the payroll system.
Maintain compensation, tax withholding, deduction, and other payroll records, and review payroll reports for accuracy.
Ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal labor laws, tax regulations, overtime rules, and employment standards.
Ensure timely payroll tax payments and filings, and prepare quarterly and annual reports such as Forms 941, W-2, and W-3.
Monitor changes to labor laws and payroll tax regulations and adjust payroll processes accordingly.
Handle payroll audits and ensure records are accessible and compliant.
Maintain secure and accurate employee payroll records, including wage rates, benefit elections, deductions, and direct deposit details.
Update employee records for new hires, terminations, promotions, pay raises, and other personnel changes in coordination with HR and department managers.
Protect the confidentiality of sensitive payroll data and securely handle payroll documents.
Process benefit enrollments and deductions, including healthcare, retirement plans, and voluntary benefits.
Manage garnishments, child support, and other court-ordered deductions, coordinating with HR and benefits providers on changes.
Generate and distribute payroll reports covering cost summaries, tax liabilities, and benefit contributions.
Provide payroll financial reports for budgeting, forecasting, and analysis, and reconcile payroll expenses with finance and accounting.
Provide ad hoc payroll data to senior management.
Lead and support the payroll team to ensure accurate and timely processing.
Train payroll team members and other employees on payroll policies, procedures, and best practices.
Foster collaboration and continual learning, and conduct performance reviews and provide feedback and development plans for payroll team members.
Review and improve payroll systems and procedures for efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness.
Identify automation opportunities and implement system enhancements to streamline payroll operations.
Collaborate with IT and HR to improve payroll system functionality and integration with other software.