Senior Manager, Payroll

Catalyst Family; Morgan Hill (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Paid vacation & holidays

Commuter pre-tax benefit

Calm app access

Tickets at Work discounts

Job summary

Catalyst Family is seeking a Sr. Manager, Payroll to oversee all payroll operations, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing for salaried, hourly, and contract staff. The role leads payroll staff, maintains systems, and partners with HR, Finance, and external partners.

The position requires 7–10 years of payroll experience, 3+ years of team leadership, and expertise with Paycom, UKG, ADP, or Workday. Hybrid, full-time with Monday–Friday schedule.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 7–10 years’ payroll experience.
• 3+ years’ experience managing a team.
• Experience with payroll systems (Paycom, UKG, ADP, Workday).
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws and compliance.
• Proficient in general office software.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for all employee types.
• Ensure accurate wages, deductions, and benefits in compliance with policies.
• Manage payroll system configuration and employee records.
• Establish and maintain payroll schedules and calendars.
• Review, approve, and audit payroll transactions and exceptions.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Education

Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

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

Tools

Paycom

UKG

ADP

Workday

Job description

Sr. Manager, Payroll is responsible for overseeing all aspects of payroll operations for the organization, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing of employee compensation. This role manages payroll staff, maintains payroll systems, and collaborates with Human Resources (HR), Finance and Accounting, and external partners to ensure payroll processes align with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for all employee types (salaried, hourly, contract), ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Ensure proper calculation of wages, overtime, deductions, and benefits in compliance with organizational policies
• Manage payroll system configuration and employee records, including department and fund allocations
• Establish and maintain payroll schedules and calendars, ensuring timely payroll execution and reporting
• Review, approve, and audit payroll transactions and exceptions to ensure accuracy and internal control
• Ensure accurate payroll accounting, including proper general ledger coding, reconciliations, and expense allocations
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including wage and hour laws and tax requirements
• Prepare and file payroll tax returns and regulatory reports accurately and on time
• Support internal and external audits, providing documentation, reconciliations, and schedules
• Supervise and develop payroll staff, including training, performance management, and issue resolution
• Lead payroll process improvements and implement best practices, policies, and procedures
• Partner cross-functionally with HR and Finance on benefits, timekeeping, onboarding/offboarding, and reporting
• Serve as the primary payroll subject matter expert, advising leadership, responding to inquiries, and liaising with auditors, CPAs, and regulatory agencies
• Perform other duties that are reasonably related to the position’s key responsibilities and are consistent with the employee’s job classification, skills, and training

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 7-10 years’ experience with payroll
• 3+ years’ experience managing a team
• Computer proficiency in general office software
• Experience with payroll systems such as Paycom, UKG, ADP, Workday, or similar
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws, regulations, and compliance requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 5+ years’ experience managing a team

Key Competencies

• Excellent leadership, communication, and analytical skills
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• High attention to details
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task and work within a tight time schedule

Working Conditions

• Generally pleasant working conditions
• Less than 50% of daily assignments involve prolonged physical effort
• Travel: None

Shift Type: Full Time, Hybrid

Schedule: Monday - Friday, Exempt, Typically 8 hour shifts

What We Offer

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• 401(k) Retirement plan and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Personal Health Advocate
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Commuter pre-tax benefit
• Discounted childcare
• Access to the Calm app
• Tickets at Work employee discounts
• Be constantly in a learning and growth process with training and professional growth advisory

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.