Remote Payroll Manager - California Expert (Full Ownership)

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

Job summary

Vaco by Highspring is seeking a Payroll Manager to lead end-to-end payroll operations across multiple sites in a high-touch environment. The role reports to the Controller and requires strong California payroll expertise to ensure accuracy and timeliness.

You will own full cycle payroll, manage tax filings and year-end processes, and partner with HR and Finance to drive improvements. Proficiency with Paylocity and a hands-on leadership style are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands on payroll experience.
• 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.

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.

Skills

Hands-on payroll

California payroll compliance

Multi-site payroll

Paylocity proficiency

Accuracy and discretion

Independent thinker

Cross-functional communication

Tools

Paylocity

Job description

Vaco by Highspring is seeking a Payroll Manager to lead end-to-end payroll operations across multiple sites in a high-touch environment. The role reports to the Controller and requires strong California payroll expertise to ensure accuracy and timeliness.

You will own full cycle payroll, manage tax filings and year-end processes, and partner with HR and Finance to drive improvements. Proficiency with Paylocity and a hands-on leadership style are essential.