Accounting/Finance Manager III

General Atomics; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 183,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics in San Diego, CA, is seeking an Accounting/Finance Manager – Payroll Operations to lead payroll systems and ensure accurate, timely, and compliant processing of all employee payrolls. The role partners with Payroll, HR, Finance, and IT to optimize payroll systems, implement process improvements, resolve complex payroll issues, and maintain internal controls.

The ideal candidate combines payroll expertise with technical acumen and strong leadership to support team development and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• 11+ years of progressively responsible experience in finance/accounting.
• Experience in a commercial or government contractor environment.
• Hands-on with payroll systems (SAP, SuccessFactors) and HRIS integrations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and reporting tools; familiarity with SQL preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across technical and non-technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead payroll systems and operations to ensure accurate, timely payrolls.
• Oversee daily payroll system functionality and compliance with regulations.
• Partner with Payroll, HR, Finance, and IT to optimize systems and resolve issues.
• Plan payroll processing schedules and develop output reports.
• Maintain interfaces between internal and external systems.
• Support payroll tax reconciliations, filings, and audits.

Skills

Payroll systems

GAAP knowledge

Leadership

Analytical skills

Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related discipline

Tools

SAP

SuccessFactors

Job description

55408BR

Job Summary:

General Atomics (GA) and its affiliated companies are among the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development, ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless, and laser technologies.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for an Accounting/Finance Manager – Payroll Operations to join our Payroll Department in San Diego (Torrey Pines), CA.

The Accounting/Finance Manager – Payroll Operations reports directly to the Payroll Manager and is responsible for leading payroll systems and operations to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant processing of all employee payrolls. This role oversees daily payroll system functionality, ensures compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, and maintains adherence to company policies and internal controls.

This position serves as a subject matter expert, partnering with Payroll, HR, Finance, and IT to optimize payroll systems, implement process improvements, and resolve complex payroll and system-related issues. The ideal candidate combines strong payroll expertise, technical acumen, leadership capability, and a proactive problem-solving mindset to ensure seamless payroll operations and system integrity while supporting team development.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partner with Payroll, HR, Finance, and IT teams to analyze and document payroll system requirements.
• Act as a liaison between business users and technical teams to:
• Translate business needs into system specifications.
• Plan and coordinate payroll processing schedules.
• Develop and modify payroll output reports.
• Define, update, and maintain interfaces between internal and external systems.
• Lead or support payroll system integrations (e.g., SAP, SuccessFactors, CATS, Autotime, Unanet, BenefitSolver).
• Configure, test, and validate payroll system functionality to ensure accurate calculations and reporting.
• Collaborate with technical teams to troubleshoot payroll system issues and implement effective solutions.
• Monitor changes in payroll-related tax laws and regulations; ensure timely system updates and compliance.
• Develop and maintain payroll process documentation, workflows, and integration maps.
• Conduct payroll data analysis to identify discrepancies, trends, and automation opportunities.
• Support payroll tax reconciliations, filings, and audits by providing accurate system data and reports.
• Provide end-user training and ongoing support for payroll systems and processes.
• Perform detailed analysis of payroll and tax data to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Prepare timely and accurate periodic summaries of payroll and accounting records.
• Analyze, validate, and develop business process requirements, system requirements, and internal controls.
• Complete payroll labor account reconciliations (Schedule L).

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications:

• Typically requires a Bachelors degree in accounting, finance, or related discipline and eleven or more years of progressively complex experience in finance/accounting. Must have experience in a commercial or government contractor environment. Equivalent experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
• Strong understanding of payroll processes, tax compliance, and reporting requirements.
• Hands‑on experience with payroll systems (e.g., SAP, SuccessFactors, or similar) and HRIS/payroll integrations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of accounting principles, GAAP, cost accounting standards, and FAR.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and documentation skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and reporting tools; familiarity with SQL preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across technical and non‑technical teams.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet critical deadlines, and perform effectively during peak cycles.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to coordinate and prioritize work assignments.
• Ability to identify issues, analyze data, and develop innovative solutions to complex problems.

Preferred:

• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or FPC certification.

Job Category:

Finance/Accounting

Experience Level:

Management

Workstyle:

Hybrid

Full-Time/Part-Time:

Full-Time Salary

Pay Range Low:

100,290

Pay Range High:

183,098

Travel Percentage Required:

None

Relocation Assistance Provided?:

No

US Citizenship Required?:

Yes

Clearance Required?:

No

General Atomics is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, transitioning status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, medical condition, mental disability, physical disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. In accordance with applicable federal law, General Atomics takes affirmative action to employ and advance the employment of qualified protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. We also prohibit compensation discrimination under all applicable laws. U.S. Citizenship is required for certain positions. To learn more, please review the EEOC’s "Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal" poster.