Payroll Manager

Excel Hotel Group; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Excel Hotel Group in San Diego is seeking a Corporate Payroll Manager who will be responsible for overseeing payroll processes across multiple properties. This role requires a strong understanding of payroll regulations and compliance, as well as the ability to analyze and resolve complex payroll issues.

The ideal candidate will have 2-5 years of progressive payroll experience, preferably in a hospitality setting, and should possess excellent communication and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years progressive Payroll experience required.
• Multi-Site and Hospitality experience is highly desirable.
• Hospitality experience is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the end-to-end payroll cycle for multiple property entities.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws.
• Prepare and distribute payroll reports and summaries for management review.

Skills

HRIS and payroll systems

Knowledge of payroll regulations

Strong problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Fluent in Spanish

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Paycom

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (multiple plan options)
• Company‑paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job Summary

The Corporate Payroll Manager is responsible for independently overseeing, analyzing, and administering payroll processes across all property entities to ensure timely and accurate compensation for all associates. This role involves interpreting and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as company policies, while providing exceptional support and service to the General Manager and associates. The position requires the regular exercise of discretion and independent judgment in resolving complex payroll matters, developing workflow improvements, and advising management on payroll compliance and best practices.

Essential Functions

Payroll Operations and Processing

• Oversee and manage the end-to-end payroll cycle for multiple property entities and associates, ensuring accuracy and adherence to deadlines.
• Review, analyze, and validate payroll data and system inputs, identifying discrepancies and determining appropriate corrective action; work closely with Accounting to resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain and update payroll records, including new hires, terminations, and changes in employee status or compensation.
• Manage and process payroll deductions, including benefits, taxes, and garnishments.
• Prepare and process all manual payroll check requests.
• Maintain payroll inbox and answer employee questions in a timely manner.
• Facilitate associate record changes in the HRIS and ensure proper setup and assignment of documents.
• Effectively maintain all payroll documentation, ensuring adherence to company policy and applicable local, state, and federal laws.
• Serve as an escalation point for payroll discrepancies requiring independent judgment and interpretation of regulations.

Compliance, Audits & Regulatory Reporting

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations, as well as company policies and procedures.
• Provide guidance related to federal, state, and local payroll compliance, including tax withholding and garnishments.
• Conduct regular audits of payroll data to ensure accuracy and identify areas for improvement.
• Complete government and compliance-related reports as needed.
• Respond to government agency correspondence, compliance reporting, and requests for information in a timely and accurate manner.
• Prepare and distribute year‑end W‑2s and W‑2cs ensuring compliance with applicable labor laws.
• Stay informed about industry trends and changes in payroll regulations to ensure ongoing compliance and best practices.

Payroll Systems, HRIS & Reporting

• Maintain accuracy of employee data in HRIS systems.
• Prepare and distribute payroll reports and summaries for management review, including the Payroll Scorecard.
• Complete annual reports including CA Fair Pay Data Reporting and EEO‑1 Reporting.
• Support system implementations, upgrades, and process improvements.
• Evaluate payroll processes, recommend workflow enhancements, and participate in payroll-related projects, including system upgrades or implementations.

Training, Support & Collaboration

• Collaborate with the HR department to resolve complex payroll-related issues and provide support for employee inquiries.
• Provide training and support to other HR/payroll associates and property leaders as needed (e.g., New GM Training).
• Identify recommendations to scale processes to enhance payroll operational efficiency, including the design and implementation of internal controls and maintenance of payroll policies and procedures.

Administrative & Organizational Responsibilities

• Promote a positive and professional work environment by reinforcing company values and culture.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Human Resources.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Accounting, Human Resources, or related field preferred.
• High School diploma or equivalent required.

Work Experience

• 2‑5 years progressive Payroll experience required.
• Multi‑Site and Hospitality experience is highly desirable.
• Hospitality experience is strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements

Sedentary work: Defined as working primarily in an office setting where the team member is provided with a workspace such as an office or cubicle. The team member sits in his/her workspace for over 90% of the workday. Team member may be required to lift 10 pounds maximum and occasionally lift and carry small items or tools. Walking and/or standing are minimally required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience with HRIS and payroll systems; ability to support system upgrades and enhancements. Experience utilizing Paycom is highly desired.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
• Knowledge of federal and state wage and hour regulations.
• Consistently demonstrates an adherence to company policies and procedures.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• High attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and ability to manage confidential information.
• Excellent communication, customer service, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet strict deadlines.
• Maintains a positive and professional attitude and demeanor at all times.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Payroll‑related software.
• Fluency in the Spanish language strongly preferred.

Collaborative, People‑Focused Company Culture