Payroll Manager

rehrig; Monterey Park (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Rehrig Pacific seeks a Payroll Manager to lead and optimize our US payroll operations, with support for Canadian payroll as needed. You will ensure accurate processing of earnings, taxes, deductions, and compliance across states, while directing a growing payroll team and maintaining strong controls.

The role requires 5+ years of multi-state payroll experience, 2+ years in leadership, and deep knowledge of ADP WorkforceNow. This position offers on-site work in the U.S. with ~10% travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of payroll experience across multi-state operations.
• Minimum 2 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Experience with ADP WorkforceNow and payroll tax compliance.
• Experience handling 1,000+ employees.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and payroll reporting tools.
• Travel ~10%.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end payroll operations for US payrolls and support Canada as needed.
• Ensure accurate processing of earnings, deductions, taxes, and special payments.
• Resolve escalated payroll issues and correct discrepancies promptly.
• Maintain payroll calendars, service standards and commitments.
• Establish and maintain payroll controls for compliance and audits.
• Govern payroll master data and ensure auditable records.
• Identify system enhancements and process improvements.
• Coach and develop payroll staff; manage priorities and performance.
• Communicate payroll risks and issues to leadership.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or equivalent relevant experience

Tools

ADP WorkforceNow

Job description

Purpose of Role

The Payroll Manager is accountable for leading and continuously improving the organization’s payroll function to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations. This role establishes payroll controls, oversees payroll systems and regulatory compliance, develops team capability, and ensures delivery of high-quality payroll services to employees and business leaders. The Payroll Manager is accountable for the overall effectiveness of payroll operations, compliance, controls, and service delivery.

Areas of Accountabilities

Payroll Operations

• Lead and oversee end-to-end payroll operations for all U.S. payrolls and support Canadian payroll processing as required.
• Ensure payroll transactions, earnings, deductions, taxes, garnishments, and special payments are processed accurately and on schedule.
• Resolve escalated payroll issues and ensure timely correction of payroll discrepancies.
• Ensure payroll calendars, service standards, and operational commitments are consistently achieved.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Establish and maintain payroll controls that ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and applicable international payroll requirements.
• Ensure timely completion and filing of payroll tax reports, year-end reporting, W-2 processing, audits, and agency requirements.
• Monitor payroll legislation changes and implement required process and system updates.
• Maintain documentation supporting payroll controls, audit readiness, and regulatory compliance.

Payroll Systems & Data Governance

• Maintain governance over payroll systems, payroll master data, and payroll-related processes.
• Ensure payroll records are complete, accurate, auditable, and maintained in accordance with company and regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate and recommend payroll technology enhancements, automation opportunities, and process improvements.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and vendors to address payroll system issues and enhancements.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop payroll team members to ensure capability, accountability, and succession readiness.
• Establish priorities, workload distribution, and performance expectations for payroll staff.
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, compliance, and customer service.
• Ensure payroll procedures are documented, standardized, and consistently followed.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Manage relationships with payroll providers, tax service providers, and system vendors.
• Partner with Human Resources, Finance, Operations, and business leadership to ensure payroll requirements are effectively supported.
• Communicate payroll risks, compliance matters, operational issues, and recommendations to leadership.

Continuous Improvement & Reporting

• Monitor payroll service, quality, compliance, and performance metrics.
• Lead payroll-related projects, process redesign efforts, internal audits, and system implementations.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, controls, and employee experience.
• Provide payroll reporting, analysis, and recommendations to support business decisions.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience, & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum 5 years of payroll experience supporting multi-state payroll operations.
• Minimum 2 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Extensive knowledge of ADP WorkforceNow, payroll controls, payroll processing, payroll taxation, and compliance requirements.
• Experience supporting payroll operations for 1,000+ employees.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and process improvement skills.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership abilities.
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive employee information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and payroll reporting tools.
• Travel requirement: ~10%

Why Rehrig Pacific?

Rehrig Pacific is a leading manufacturer of integrated sustainable solutions for the supply chain and environmental waste industries with a diverse customer list of industry leaders. We provide end-to-end solutions including returnable plastic products, delivery lifts and sleds, technology to track those assets, and a service team to ensure their longevity. Our team is dedicated to the values, mission, and unique culture within our organization that celebrates our people. We believe in fostering an environment where employees can be their authentic selves and know that they are viewed as integral members of the Rehrig Pacific Family.

The wage range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. At Rehrig Pacific, compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $100,000-110,000 annually.