Payroll Manager

Longwood University; Camarillo (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Comprehensive health insurance

401(k) retirement savings

Generous paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Employee recognition programs

Job summary

An educational institution in California is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Manager to oversee payroll operations for approximately 1,000 employees. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of payroll systems and multi-state compliance. Responsibilities include managing payroll processing, ensuring compliance with DoD requirements, and resolving discrepancies. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits including health coverage and retirement savings.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience.
• In-depth knowledge of federal and state payroll laws and DoD contract requirements.
• Experience with payroll for a multi-state organization.

Responsibilities

• Manage and process biweekly/multi-cycle payroll for all employees.
• Ensure payroll execution complies with DoD contract requirements.
• Oversee payroll tax reporting and compliance at all levels.
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies.

Skills

Payroll systems understanding

Multi-state payroll compliance

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Confidentiality management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

ADP

Ceridian

Paylocity

Microsoft Excel

Job description

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Payroll Manager to join our payroll team and help support end-to-end payroll operations for approximately 1,000 employees. This role is critical in ensuring the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of payroll in alignment with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as Department of Defense (DoD) contract requirements.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of payroll systems, multi-state payroll compliance, and government contracting standards (including DCAA and FAR), and will contribute to the delivery of best-in‑class payroll service.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and process biweekly/multi‑cycle payroll for all employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with laws and company policies.
• Ensure payroll execution complies with DoD contract requirements, including the Service Contract Act (SCA), Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), and applicable wage determinations.
• Oversee payroll tax reporting and compliance at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies and respond to employee inquiries professionally and promptly.
• Reconcile payroll accounts and prepare journal entries to support monthly close and audit readiness.
• Partner with HR and Accounting to ensure accurate data integration (e.g., new hires, terminations, benefits, leave).
• Support internal, external, and DCAA audits by providing payroll data, reports, and documentation.
• Maintain payroll system configurations and collaborate with IT or vendors on enhancements or issue resolution.
• Supervise and develop payroll staff, promoting a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Stay current on changes to payroll laws, regulations, and government contract compliance standards.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience.
• In‑depth knowledge of federal and state payroll laws and DoD contract labor requirements (SCA, DCAA, FAR).
• Experience with payroll for a multi‑state organization.
• Proficiency in payroll software systems (e.g., ADP, Ceridian, Paylocity) and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage confidential information with integrity and discretion.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with union labor contracts and wage classification compliance.
• Familiarity with Deltek Costpoint.
• Occasional extended hours during peak payroll periods, audits, or year‑end close.

Benefits

Competitive Compensation: We offer a highly competitive salary package to attract and retain top talent in the industry. Our compensation structure is designed to reward exceptional performance and provide financial stability.

Comprehensive Health Coverage: We provide a comprehensive health insurance plan that covers medical, dental, and vision expenses. Our goal is to ensure that our employees have access to quality healthcare and can take care of their well‑being.

Retirement Savings: We offer a robust retirement savings program, including a 401(k) plan, to help our employees plan for their future. We provide matching contributions to help accelerate their savings and build a solid financial foundation.

Work‑Life Balance: We believe in the importance of work‑life balance and understand that our employees have personal commitments and responsibilities. We offer generous paid time off to support our employees in maintaining a healthy work‑integration.

Professional Development: We are committed to the growth and development of our employees. We provide various opportunities for professional development, including training programs, and tuition reimbursement, to help them expand their skills and advance in their careers.

Recognition and Rewards: We value the contributions of our employees and believe in recognizing their achievements. We have a robust recognition program in place, including employee appreciation events, and employee recognition awards, to acknowledge and reward exceptional work.

Positive and Inclusive Work Environment: We foster a positive and inclusive work environment where diversity is valued, and employees feel respected and empowered. We promote collaboration, open communication, and teamwork to create a supportive atmosphere that enables everyone to thrive.

Equal Opportunity Employer/ Veterans/Disabled

Pay Transparency Nondiscriminatory Provision