Payroll Accounting Manager

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

Job summary

General Atomics in San Diego, CA seeks an Accounting/Finance Manager – Payroll Operations to lead payroll systems and operations, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing of all employee payrolls. You will partner with Payroll, HR, Finance, and IT to optimize systems and implement process improvements.

The ideal candidate brings strong payroll expertise, leadership, and problem‑solving mindset to maintain system integrity while supporting team development.

Qualifications

• Strong payroll knowledge including tax rules and reporting.
• Experience with payroll systems and HRIS/payroll integrations.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and documentation skills.
• Ability to lead teams and manage multiple priorities during peak periods.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Payroll, HR, Finance, and IT to analyze and document payroll system requirements.
• Translate business needs into system specifications and process improvements.
• Plan and coordinate payroll processing schedules and reporting outputs.
• Develop, test, and maintain interfaces between internal and external systems.
• Lead or support payroll system integrations (SAP, SuccessFactors, CATS, Autotime, Unanet).
• Troubleshoot system issues and ensure timely tax/regulatory updates.
• Provide end‑user training and ongoing payroll systems support.
• Conduct payroll data analysis to identify discrepancies and automation opportunities.

Skills

Payroll expertise

Regulatory compliance

Advanced Excel

SQL familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

Tools

SAP

SuccessFactors

HRIS integrations

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. 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 Type: Full-Time Salary
Salary range: 100,290 - 183,098