Payroll Accounting Manager

General Atomics; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 100,290 - 183,098; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics is seeking an Accounting/Finance Manager – Payroll Operations in San Diego (Torrey Pines), CA. In this full-time position, you will lead payroll systems to ensure accurate processing and compliance. You'll collaborate with Payroll, HR, and IT while optimizing payroll processes and resolving system issues.

The ideal candidate possesses extensive payroll expertise and a proactive mindset. A Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance and over 11 years of relevant experience are required.

Qualifications

• Typically requires 11+ years of experience in finance/accounting.
• Experience in a commercial or government contractor environment.
• Strong understanding of tax compliance and reporting requirements.

Responsibilities

• Partner with technical teams to analyze payroll system requirements.
• Lead payroll system integrations and monitor payroll-related tax laws.
• Conduct payroll data analysis to identify discrepancies and trends.

Skills

Strong understanding of payroll processes

Advanced proficiency in Excel

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to manage multiple priorities

Education

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

Tools

SAP

SuccessFactors

SQL

Job description

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.

About the Role

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. The 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).

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 Qualifications

• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or FPC certification.

Employment Information

Job Type: Full‑Time Salary

Salary range: 100,290 – 183,098