Payroll Manager | $50 - $55.29/hr

Sfbayhcc; San Rafael (CA); Hybrid; USD 104,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Perfect Timing is seeking a Payroll Manager (Hybrid) in San Rafael, CA, to lead a multi-state payroll operation for about 700 employees. This 3- to 6-month temp-to-hire role requires strong leadership, process improvement, and UKG experience.

The position offers hybrid work (2 days onsite, 3 days remote) with a 104k–115k annual equivalent, and collaboration with HR, Benefits, Finance, and Accounting to ensure accurate, timely payroll processing and compliance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of payroll leadership or supervision.
• Experience managing multi-state payroll operations.
• Strong knowledge of California payroll laws and compliance.
• Experience supervising payroll staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead payroll operations and provide day-to-day oversight for a multi-state workforce of approximately 700 employees.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of payroll professionals.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across multiple locations and cost centers.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on payroll compliance, tax regulations, auditing, reporting, and payroll best practices.
• Identify and implement process improvements that strengthen efficiency, accuracy, communication, and internal controls.
• Partner closely with HR, Benefits, Accounting, and Finance teams to support organizational objectives.
• Develop and enhance payroll reporting and analytics to improve visibility, compliance, and decision-making.
• Analyze payroll data, audits, and reconciliations to resolve issues and support compliance efforts.
• Provide hands-on payroll support when needed while maintaining a focus on leadership and process optimization.
• Support UKG-related payroll activities and help improve system utilization and reporting capabilities.
• Ensure payroll allocations, billing, and cost center reporting are accurate and properly maintained.

Skills

Payroll leadership

Multi-state payroll

Analytical skills

Reporting

Process improvement

Team development

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/HR/Accounting/Finance

Tools

UKG

UKG reporting tools

IBM Cognos

People Analytics

Job description

Payroll Manager (Hybrid) - 3-6 Month Temporary - San Rafael - $50-$55.29/hourWe are seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to provide leadership and oversight for a growing multi-state payroll operation supporting approximately 700 employees. This role will oversee a payroll team while partnering closely with HR, Benefits, Finance, and Accounting to ensure payroll accuracy, compliance, reporting, and operational efficiency.The ideal candidate is a strategic yet hands-on payroll leader who enjoys improving processes, strengthening controls, enhancing reporting, and developing teams. Experience with UKG is highly preferred, but candidates with strong payroll leadership experience and a proven track record of driving payroll improvements will also be considered.Details:* Location: San Rafael, CA (Hybrid: 2 days onsite, 3 days remote)* Schedule: Full-time with flexible start and end times* Duration: 3-6 month temporary assignment, possible temp-to-hire* Compensation: $104,000-$115,000 annual equivalentResponsibilities:* Lead payroll operations and provide day-to-day oversight for a multi-state workforce of approximately 700 employees.* Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of payroll professionals.* Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across multiple locations and cost centers.* Serve as a subject matter expert on payroll compliance, tax regulations, auditing, reporting, and payroll best practices.* Identify and implement process improvements that strengthen efficiency, accuracy, communication, and internal controls.* Partner closely with HR, Benefits, Accounting, and Finance teams to support organizational objectives.* Develop and enhance payroll reporting and analytics to improve visibility, compliance, and decision-making.* Analyze payroll data, audits, and reconciliations to resolve issues and support compliance efforts.* Provide hands-on payroll support when needed while maintaining a focus on leadership and process optimization.* Support UKG-related payroll activities and help improve system utilization and reporting capabilities.* Ensure payroll allocations, billing, and cost center reporting are accurate and properly maintained.Qualifications:Required:* 5+ years of payroll leadership, management, or supervisory experience.* Experience managing multi-state payroll operations for a mid-sized or large organization.* Strong knowledge of California payroll laws and compliance requirements.* Experience supervising and developing payroll staff.* Strong analytical, reporting, auditing, and process improvement skills.* Ability to collaborate effectively with HR, Finance, Accounting, and operational teams.Preferred:* Experience with UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group).* Experience with UKG reporting tools, People Analytics, IBM Cognos, or similar reporting platforms.* Experience leveraging payroll analytics and reporting to improve operations and support business decisions.* Experience supporting payroll operations across multiple locations, entities, or cost centers.* Experience leading payroll optimization, compliance, audit, or system enhancement initiatives.* Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, or a related field.To apply or work with Perfect Timing as a client go to www.perfecttiming.com