Payroll Manager

Vaco Recruiter Services; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaco Recruiter Services seeks a Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations remotely, with a strong preference for California-based candidates. In this role, you'll manage the full payroll function for approximately 200 employees, ensuring compliance with California laws and optimizing payroll systems like Paylocity. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience and demonstrates strong leadership, attention to detail, and the ability to navigate cross-functional dynamics. The position offers competitive compensation ranging from $95,000 to $125,000.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on payroll experience required.
• Experience managing multi-site payroll environments.
• Ability to operate independently and think critically.

Responsibilities

• Own full cycle payroll processing including regular and special payments.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Manage payroll tax filings and year-end processes.

Skills

California payroll compliance

Payroll processing

Process improvement

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Tools

Paylocity

Job description

Title: Payroll Manager
Company Industry: Healthcare / Behavioral Health
Compensation: $95,000-$125,000
Location: Remote (strong preference for someone based out of CA)

A client of ours is seeking a Payroll Manager to lead end to end payroll operations in a multi site, high touch environment. This role reports to the Controller and owns the full payroll function, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness across all payroll related activities. The organization operates 24/7 with a primarily hourly workforce of approximately 200 employees.

This is a hands on leadership role requiring someone confident, detail oriented, and able to operate independently while navigating cross functional dynamics.

Key Responsibilities

• Own full cycle payroll processing including regular, bonus, off cycle, terminations, and special payments
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations with a strong emphasis on California payroll laws
• Manage payroll tax filings, garnishments, audits, W 2s, and year end processes
• Oversee 401k contributions including deductions, remittance, and reconciliations
• Partner closely with HR, Finance, and leadership to resolve payroll issues and improve processes
• Administer and optimize Paylocity and related payroll systems
• Produce payroll and labor reporting to support business decisions and workforce planning
• Support workers compensation reporting and annual audits
• Handle escheatment processes and regulatory inquiries
• Train managers on timekeeping, approvals, and payroll related workflows
• Identify and implement process improvements and ensure best practices

Qualifications

• 5+years of hands on payroll experience required
• Deep expertise in California payroll compliance
• Experience managing multi site payroll environments
• Strong proficiency with Paylocity or similar payroll systems
• High level of accuracy, discretion, and attention to detail
• Ability to operate independently, think critically, and push back when needed
• Strong communication skills with the ability to navigate cross functional challenges

This role is best suited for a true payroll professional who wants full ownership of the function and can step into a visible, high impact position without needing significant oversight.