Payroll Manager

Aston Carter; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Employer retirement contributions

Bonus potential

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking a Payroll Manager to own the payroll function across multiple states from Carlsbad, CA. You will lead end-to-end payroll operations, ensure accuracy, and maintain strong controls in a hands-on, collaborative environment.

You will partner with Accounting and HR leadership to optimize processes, improve reporting, and ensure compliance. The role requires a detail-focused leader comfortable handling audits, year-end activities, and complex tax scenarios.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of end-to-end payroll experience.
• Proven multi-state payroll processing experience.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Knowledge of payroll taxes, garnishments, benefits deductions, and 401(k) administration.
• Strong auditing, reconciliation, and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with payroll reporting, year-end processing, and compliance requirements.
• Experience with Dayforce is highly preferred; Epicor knowledge is a plus.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage the full payroll process for approximately 100 employees across multiple states.
• Process weekly payroll, including regular, off-cycle, and manual payroll runs.
• Audit timecards, earnings, deductions, and payroll data for accuracy.
• Manage payroll deductions including benefits, 401(k), garnishments, and other withholdings.
• Coordinate payroll tax reporting, compliance, and year-end activities, including W-2 processing.
• Maintain payroll records and respond to employee payroll-related inquiries.
• Perform payroll reconciliations and ensure alignment with accounting records.
• Support ACA administration and benefits-related payroll activities.
• Maintain compliance with payroll regulations, tax requirements, and internal controls.
• Partner with Accounting and HR leadership on payroll improvements, controls, and reporting.
• Serve as the primary resource for payroll policies, systems, and best practices.
• Assist with audits and support SOX compliance initiatives.

Skills

End-to-end payroll

Multi-state payroll

Independent payroll management

Payroll taxes

Garnishments

Benefits deductions

401(k) administration

Auditing

Reconciliation

Problem solving

Payroll reporting

Year-end processing

Compliance

Dayforce

Epicor timekeeping

Attention to detail

Tools

Dayforce

Epicor

Job description

Payroll Manager

Own the Payroll Function | Multi-State Payroll | High-Visibility Role

Are you a payroll professional who enjoys ownership, autonomy, and being the go-to expert? We're seeking a Payroll Manager to take full responsibility for payroll operations across a multi-state employee population. This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives in a hands-on environment, values accuracy and compliance, and wants to play a key role within a collaborative accounting and HR team.

As the organization's payroll subject matter expert, you'll oversee the full payroll lifecycle while partnering with Accounting and HR leadership to ensure a seamless employee experience and strong payroll controls.

What You'll Do

• Own and manage the full payroll process for approximately 100 employees across multiple states
• Process weekly payroll, including regular, off-cycle, and manual payroll runs
• Audit timecards, earnings, deductions, and payroll data for accuracy
• Manage payroll deductions including benefits, 401(k), garnishments, and other withholdings
• Coordinate payroll tax reporting, compliance, and year-end activities, including W-2 processing
• Maintain payroll records and respond to employee payroll-related inquiries
• Perform payroll reconciliations and ensure alignment with accounting records
• Support ACA administration and benefits-related payroll activities
• Maintain compliance with payroll regulations, tax requirements, and internal controls
• Partner with Accounting and HR leadership on payroll improvements, controls, and reporting
• Serve as the primary resource for payroll policies, systems, and best practices
• Assist with audits and support SOX compliance initiatives

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of end-to-end payroll experience
• Strong multi-state payroll processing experience
• Experience managing payroll independently with minimal supervision
• Knowledge of payroll taxes, garnishments, benefits deductions, and 401(k) administration
• Strong auditing, reconciliation, and problem-solving skills
• Experience with payroll reporting, year-end processing, and compliance requirements
• Comfortable working within payroll and timekeeping systems; Dayforce experience strongly preferred
• Experience with Epicor or similar timekeeping platforms is a plus
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy

Why Join Us?

• Be the payroll leader and subject matter expert for the organization
• High level of ownership and visibility across the business
• Partner directly with Accounting and HR leadership
• Opportunity to improve payroll processes and strengthen controls
• Collaborative, close-knit team environment
• Competitive benefits package, employer retirement contributions, and bonus potential
• Long-term, direct-hire opportunity with a stable and growing organization

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Carlsbad, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $75000.00 - $85000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

• Competitive benefits package
• Employer retirement contributions
• Bonus potential

• Competitive compensation package
• Comprehensive benefits program
• Retirement contribution program
• Bonus opportunity
• Stable, team-oriented work environment
• Long-term growth opportunity within a successful organization

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Carlsbad,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] ([e-mail]) for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.