Senior Payroll Leader: Workday, Compliance & Ops

Essex Property Trust; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 123,000 - 153,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing discount

Comprehensive benefits including 401k

Job summary

Essex Property Trust in Irvine, CA is seeking a Senior Manager, Payroll to lead a large, high-volume payroll operation across California and Washington. The role drives payroll accuracy, SOX controls, and process improvement while partnering with HR, Accounting and Legal.

You will manage a payroll team, optimize Workday Payroll, and oversee audits, tax filings, and annual close activities in a hybrid in-office setting four days per week at the Irvine regional office.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive payroll experience, including CA operations and WA a plus.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing payroll teams.
• Advanced Workday Payroll and reporting expertise.
• Public company experience and SOX controls exposure.
• Experience supporting audits and regulatory compliance.
• Hybrid work arrangement with in-office attendance four days a week in Irvine.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end payroll operations for CA and WA and ensure timely processing.
• Direct bi-weekly payroll, payroll tax reporting, garnishments, and compliance.
• Coach and develop payroll staff; establish policies and controls.
• Partner with HR, Finance, and Legal to support growth and changes.
• Drive automation and efficiency in payroll processes and systems.
• Oversee year-end payroll activities and vendor relationships.

Skills

Payroll leadership

Regulatory compliance

Strategic partnership

Process improvement

Analytical reasoning

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business Administration

CPP certification (nice-to-have)

Tools

Workday Payroll

Job description

Essex Property Trust in Irvine, CA is seeking a Senior Manager, Payroll to lead a large, high-volume payroll operation across California and Washington. The role drives payroll accuracy, SOX controls, and process improvement while partnering with HR, Accounting and Legal.

You will manage a payroll team, optimize Workday Payroll, and oversee audits, tax filings, and annual close activities in a hybrid in-office setting four days per week at the Irvine regional office.