Payroll Manager

Ghj; Westwood (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Generous paid time off

403(b) retirement plan

Job summary

GHJ is looking for a Payroll Manager / Accounting Specialist to join their Finance team in Westwood, California. This role requires managing the payroll for 140-150 employees while ensuring compliance with California laws and regulations.

The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of accounting experience and 2 years of payroll processing. This newly created position offers a mix of remote work and excellent benefits including healthcare and a 403(b) plan.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of accounting experience required.
• 2+ years of hands-on payroll processing experience preferred.
• Experience with 403(b) retirement plans is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full payroll cycle for approximately 140-150 employees.
• Ensure payroll compliance with federal and local regulations.
• Assist with month-end close activities and financial reporting.

Skills

California payroll laws

Payroll compliance

Accounting experience

Communication skills

Excel proficiency

HRIS/payroll system experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

Paylocity

Job description

GHJ Search & Staffing is working with a highly respected Los Angeles-based nonprofit educational organization is seeking a Payroll Manager / Accounting Specialist to join its Finance team. This newly created position offers the opportunity to take ownership of payroll operations as the organization transitions payroll in-house.

Reporting to the Controller and working closely with the CFO and Human Resources team, this role serves as the subject matter expert for all payroll-related functions while also supporting accounting operations, reconciliations, audits, and financial reporting activities.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll professional with a strong accounting foundation who enjoys working cross-functionally and making a meaningful impact within a mission-driven organization.

What You'll Do:

Payroll Leadership

• Manage and oversee the full payroll cycle for approximately 140-150 employees on a semi-monthly basis
• Review and monitor employee timecards, approvals, missed punches, and payroll-related changes
• Ensure payroll accuracy and compliance with federal, California state, and local regulations
• Administer payroll-related deductions, garnishments, benefits, retirement contributions, leave programs, and tax reporting
• Partner closely with Human Resources on new hires, terminations, employee changes, and payroll-related inquiries
• Prepare payroll audits, quarterly reporting, reconciliations, and compliance documentation
• Serve as the primary payroll resource for employees, managers, and leadership

Accounting & Finance Support

• Prepare payroll-related journal entries and account reconciliations
• Assist with month-end close activities and financial reporting
• Support annual audits and special accounting projects
• Reconcile benefit invoices and retirement plan contributions
• Collaborate with Accounting and HR to strengthen internal controls and improve payroll processes

What They're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
• 5+ years of accounting experience
• 2+ years of hands-on payroll processing experience
• Strong knowledge of California payroll laws and regulations
• Experience managing payroll compliance, taxes, garnishments, and employee benefits
• Experience preparing payroll journal entries and reconciliations
• Excellent communication and employee service skills
• Strong Excel and HRIS/payroll system experience
• Ability to work independently while collaborating across departments

Preferred Qualifications:

• Paylocity experience
• Nonprofit or educational institution experience
• Experience with 403(b) retirement plans
• Knowledge of FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, and workers' compensation administration

Why Join:

• Newly created role with significant ownership and visibility
• Direct partnership with senior leadership, including the CFO and Controller
• Mission-driven organization with a collaborative culture
• Primarily remote work environment with flexibility
• Excellent healthcare benefits
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• 403(b) retirement plan and employer contributions
• Opportunity to help build and improve payroll processes during an exciting transition

$80,000 - $100,000 a year

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