Contract Payroll Manager — Hands-On, Multi-State Expert

Talentify; South San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Time Off / PTO

Job summary

Aston Carter is hiring a Payroll Manager on a contract basis in South San Francisco, CA. The role focuses on end-to-end payroll operations, tax processing, and vendor management within a lean Finance team.

The ideal candidate has hands-on payroll experience, California wage-hour knowledge, and strong collaboration with Accounting and HR in a fast-paced environment. Hybrid work and competitive temp benefits apply.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years of payroll experience.
• Hands-on payroll processing beyond approvals.
• Knowledge of California wage and hour laws.
• Experience with multi-state payroll; global payroll a plus.
• Strong analytical skills and high attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day payroll operations and resolve escalations.
• Manage vendor activities and month/end/year-end tasks.
• Prepare payroll data files for each cycle with accuracy.
• Handle payroll tax notices, registrations and audits.
• Coordinate with Accounting/HR for policies and projects.
• Own payroll operations with minimal oversight.

Skills

Hands-on payroll processing

California payroll laws

Multi-state payroll

Payroll reporting & reconciliations

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Payroll or related field

Tools

UKG/Kronos

ADP/Paylocity/Paycom

Paylocity

Paycom

Job description

Aston Carter is hiring a Payroll Manager on a contract basis in South San Francisco, CA. The role focuses on end-to-end payroll operations, tax processing, and vendor management within a lean Finance team.

The ideal candidate has hands-on payroll experience, California wage-hour knowledge, and strong collaboration with Accounting and HR in a fast-paced environment. Hybrid work and competitive temp benefits apply.