Description Payroll ManagerAbout the RoleWe are seeking a Payroll Manager to lead end-to-end payroll operations across a multi-location organization. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely payroll processing while managing complex commission and incentive plans.
This is a hands-on, operational role-not traditional accounting. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, has strong attention to detail, and can manage high-volume payroll with tight deadlines.
This role is also expected to bring a continuous improvement mindset, identifying opportunities to enhance payroll processes, systems, and reporting as the company continues to grow.
Due to the nature of the role, onsite presence in our Moorpark office is strongly preferred to support daily processing, reporting, and coordination with HR.
Key ResponsibilitiesPayroll Operations- Own full-cycle payroll processing for hourly and salaried employees across multiple states
- Ensure payroll is processed accurately and on time, including bonuses, commissions, and adjustments
- Perform daily payroll reviews, audits, corrections, and final validations
- Print and distribute payroll-related documentation and coordinate closely with HR
- Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, including multi-state requirements
Commission & Incentive Plans- Administer and calculate commission and incentive plans across multiple roles
- Ensure accurate and timely payouts, including troubleshooting discrepancies
- Partner with leadership to maintain and improve scalable compensation structures
Data Management & Systems- Manage payroll data through advanced Excel functions including imports, exports, and mass updates
- Ensure data accuracy across systems and meet strict payroll submission deadlines
- Support payroll reporting, audits, and system improvements
- Enter payroll journals and accruals into financial systems as needed
Cross-Functional Partnership- Partner closely with HR, Finance, and Operations on payroll, onboarding, and compensation changes
- Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related inquiries
- Provide reporting and insights related to payroll and compensation trends
- Support leadership with data and insights to drive informed decisions
What Success Looks Like- Payroll is processed accurately and on time-every cycle
- Commission and incentive plans are clear, scalable, and error-free
- Deadlines are consistently met with strong attention to detail and urgency
- Payroll processes are continuously improved for efficiency, accuracy, and scalability
- Identifies and implements process improvements and value-add initiatives that enhance the payroll function
- Builds and delivers clear, actionable reporting to support business decisions and leadership visibility
QualificationsRequired- 5+ years of payroll experience in a multi-location environment
- Advanced Excel skills (required): ability to manage large data sets, imports/exports, and mass updates
- Experience managing commission or incentive-based pay structures
- Strong understanding of payroll compliance and multi-state regulations
- High attention to detail with ability to manage tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Preferred- Experience with multi-state payroll processing, including state registrations (SUI, SDI, etc.)
- Experience with Paylocity or similar payroll systems
- Experience with Microsoft Dynamics GP (for payroll journal entries and accruals)
- Experience with payroll account reconciliations
- Experience creating management reports and dashboards for senior leadership
- Background in retail, automotive, or multi-unit operations
- CPP certification
