Payroll Manager

The Mom Project; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

The Mom Project is partnering with a financial technology leader to recruit a Payroll Manager in Los Angeles. This hands-on role oversees payroll for ~1,000 employees, manages multi-state processing, and serves as the Workday Payroll expert, ensuring accurate, timely payments and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate will bring 5+ years in payroll, strong knowledge of US regulations, and proven process-improvement skills.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant payroll experience.
• Expert knowledge of US payroll regulations, tax laws and compliance.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Solution driven, ability to troubleshoot and provide new ideas for change as appropriate
• Experience with multi-state payroll environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end processing of on-cycle and off-cycle payrolls for ~1,000 employees across multiple states.
• Serve as Workday Payroll subject matter expert, coordinating with Total Rewards, Finance, HRIS, and external payroll vendors.
• Document payroll processes and procedures.
• Oversee payroll schedules, validation procedures, and payroll audits.
• Review and validate payroll data including timesheets, earnings, deductions, bonuses, and 401(k)/HSA funding.
• Ensure all payroll taxes, withholdings, and employer contributions are compliant.
• Manage month-end, quarter-end, and year-end payroll accounting and reconciliations.
• Support audits and respond to wage garnishments and inquiries.

Skills

US payroll regulations

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Workday

ADP Smart Compliance

Job description

The Mom Project is excited to partner with our client, a financial technology leader and bank holding company, who is seeking a Payroll Manager to join their team! This position is classified as structured hybrid, with an expectation of a minimum of three (3) days per week working in the office and flexibility to work remotely on the remaining days.

Location Requirement

This position is open only to candidates who can work in one of the following approved locations: Los Angeles, CA (West LA office).

Job Summary

The Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing the payroll processing operations. Ensuring employees are paid accurately, on time and in compliance with all legal and company policies. The ideal candidate will possess a process improvement mindset and will also need to stay current with changes in the law and ensure compliance with federal and state payroll tax requirements. This is a hands‑on role that will require serving as a backup for the payroll administrator. This position serves as the subject matter expert for Workday Payroll and will partner closely with Total Rewards, Finance, HRIS, and external payroll vendors to ensure seamless payroll operations and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate brings extensive experience managing multi‑state payroll environments, with deep hands‑on expertise in Workday payroll processing and administration.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end processing of on‑cycle and off‑cycle payrolls for a workforce of ~1,000 employees, including salaried and hourly populations across multiple states.
• Serve as the Workday Payroll subject matter expert, ensuring accurate payroll configuration, processing, reconciliation, and reporting.
• Documents payroll processes and procedures.
• Oversee payroll schedules, validation procedures, and payroll audits to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing.
• Review and validate payroll data including timesheets, earnings, deductions, bonuses, taxable fringe benefits and adjustments and process time sensitive 401(k) and HSA funding.
• Meets all government reporting requirements for payroll taxes, withholding and employer contributions.
• Researches and solves payroll issues independently.
• Responsible for all payroll accounting month‑end, quarter‑end, and year‑end processes, including journal entries, payroll account reconciliations and ensure accurate payroll postings to the general ledger.
• Completes special implementation projects as needed.
• Participates in audits of internal records and assists in preparing documentation for internal and external auditors.
• Processes and responds to Wage Garnishment orders.
• Coordinat third party payroll system implementations and upgrades.
• Provides customer service to employee population regarding pay, system access, direct deposit, etc.
• Performs other duties as needed.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant payroll experience
• Expert knowledge of US payroll regulations, tax laws and compliance
• Excellent organizational skills and time management skills with a high level of attention to detail
• Solution driven, ability to troubleshoot and provide new ideas for change as appropriate
• Ability to work on complex problems of diverse scope and with general instruction on new assignments
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to partner with internal and external teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
• Experience with Workday strongly preferred
• CPP Certification strongly preferred
• ADP Smart Compliance experience
• Ability to work in the U.S. without sponsorship**
• Ability to meet the location requirement outlined above**

The targeted base salary for this position is $81,200 to $121,800 per year. The final compensation will be determined by a number of factors such as qualifications, expertise, and the candidate’s geographical location.

We’re Here to Support You—Accommodations Upon Request

Our client is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring experience for all candidates. If you require a reasonable accommodation during any part of the application or interview process, we encourage you to let us know. They will work with you to meet your needs in a way that respects your privacy and ensures equal opportunity. Their goal is to support every applicant in showcasing their talents and potential.

Work Authorization Requirement

Our client values diversity and strive for fair and inclusive hiring practices. However, they are currently unable to offer visa sponsorship. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment, without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Important Notice on Application Accuracy

Our client values integrity in our hiring process. Please ensure that all information provided in your resume and application is accurate and authentic. Submissions found to be fraudulent or misleading will result in disqualification from consideration, and any offers extended may be rescinded.