Payroll Manager
$85,000–$115,000 year
HybridSanta Ana, California, United States
Job Summary
Lead and coach 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 while balancing team capacity and client workloads. 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, taking action when improvement is needed. Partner with departments on payroll-related projects, system changes, and process improvements. 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. This role supports Optimum HR's mission to provide responsive, high-touch human resources services to small and midsize companies in Southern California.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED
- Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, finance, human resources, or a related field
- Minimum of three years of payroll experience (including complex, multi-state, high-volume, or multi-client payroll processing) and/or minimum of two years of experience directly managing or leading employees (including coaching, performance management, and accountability)
- Experience with payroll and HCM systems
- FPC or Payroll Certification
- 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
- This position is primarily remote within Southern California, with in-office attendance in Santa Ana approximately 1–2 times per month. Additional on-site attendance may occasionally be needed for meetings, training, company events, or other business needs.
Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, finance, human resources, or a related field preferred
- Minimum of three years of payroll experience (including complex, multi-state, high-volume, or multi-client payroll processing) and/or minimum of two years of experience directly managing or leading employees (including coaching, performance management, and accountability) preferred
- Experience with payroll and HCM systems; isolved or PEO industry experience preferred
- FPC or Payroll Certification preferred
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