Senior Payroll Lead — Multi-State & Compliance

Talentify; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

Retirement contributions

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking a Payroll Manager to own the full payroll lifecycle for ~100 employees across multiple states from our Carlsbad, CA office. This hands-on, high-visibility role partners with Accounting and HR leadership to ensure accuracy, compliance, and a seamless employee experience.

You will drive multi-state payroll processing, audits, tax reporting, SOX controls, and benefits deductions, with Dayforce experience strongly preferred.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of end-to-end payroll experience.
• Strong multi-state payroll processing experience.
• Experience managing payroll independently with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of payroll taxes, garnishments, benefits deductions, and 401(k) administration.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage the full payroll process for approximately 100 employees across multiple states.
• Process weekly payroll, including regular, off-cycle, and manual payroll runs.
• Audit timecards, earnings, deductions, and payroll data for accuracy.
• Manage payroll deductions including benefits, 401(k), garnishments, and other withholdings.
• Coordinate payroll tax reporting, compliance, and year-end activities, including W-2 processing.
• Maintain payroll records and respond to employee payroll-related inquiries.
• Perform payroll reconciliations and ensure alignment with accounting records.
• Support ACA administration and benefits-related payroll activities.
• Maintain compliance with payroll regulations, tax requirements, and internal controls.
• Partner with Accounting and HR leadership on payroll improvements, controls, and reporting.
• Serve as the primary resource for payroll policies, systems, and best practices.
• Assist with audits and support SOX compliance initiatives.

Skills

End-to-end payroll

Multi-state payroll

SOX compliance

Dayforce

Payroll tax

Auditing

Timekeeping systems

Analytical thinking

Tools

Epicor

Dayforce

Excel

Job description

Aston Carter is seeking a Payroll Manager to own the full payroll lifecycle for ~100 employees across multiple states from our Carlsbad, CA office. This hands-on, high-visibility role partners with Accounting and HR leadership to ensure accuracy, compliance, and a seamless employee experience.

You will drive multi-state payroll processing, audits, tax reporting, SOX controls, and benefits deductions, with Dayforce experience strongly preferred.