Senior Payroll Manager

Alliance Resource Group; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Alliance Resource Group is seeking a Senior Payroll Manager in Pasadena, California, to oversee payroll operations and equity compensation administration. The ideal candidate will manage payroll for multiple states, ensuring compliance with tax laws while also administering equity programs.

Responsibilities include managing payroll processing, addressing complex payroll issues, and collaborating with various departments to maintain compliance and efficiency. A bachelor's degree and 7+ years of experience in payroll are required.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of payroll experience, including payroll processing and compliance.
• Experience managing multi-state payroll operations.
• Hands-on experience processing equity transactions.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end payroll process for employees across multiple states.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll tax laws.
• Administer employee equity compensation programs.
• Support reconciliation of payroll accounts and financial reporting.

Skills

U.S. payroll tax laws

Payroll systems expertise (Workday, ADP, UKG)

Equity compensation management

Advanced Excel skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field

Tools

Workday

ADP

UKG

Fidelity

Morgan Stanley Shareworks

Carta

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Manager to oversee payroll operations and equity compensation administration for a growing financial services organization. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, and the administration of employee equity programs. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of U.S. payroll tax laws, strong payroll systems expertise, and hands‑on experience managing equity compensation transactions and related tax reporting requirements.

This position partners closely with Human Resources, Accounting, Tax, Legal, Treasury, and external service providers to ensure payroll and equity compensation programs are administered accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Operations

• Manage the end‑to‑end payroll process, ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing for employees across multiple states.
• Review payroll calculations, deductions, taxes, garnishments, and benefit withholdings for accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain payroll records and ensure adherence to company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with HR and Finance to ensure employee compensation changes are accurately reflected in payroll.
• Resolve complex payroll issues and serve as the primary escalation point for payroll inquiries.

Payroll Tax & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll tax laws and regulations.
• Oversee payroll tax filings, payments, reconciliations, and reporting requirements.
• Manage year‑end payroll activities, including W-2 preparation and payroll tax reporting.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes affecting payroll and recommend necessary process updates.
• Support internal and external audits related to payroll operations and compliance.

Equity Compensation & Stock Administration

• Administer employee equity compensation programs, including stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), and other equity awards.
• Process equity transactions such as grants, vesting events, exercises, releases, and cancellations.Ensure proper payroll treatment of equity compensation transactions.
• Manage withholding, reporting, and remittance of taxes associated with equity compensation.
• Coordinate with HR, Legal, Tax, Accounting, and external stock plan administrators to ensure accurate processing and compliance.
• Support employee communications and inquiries related to equity compensation programs.
• Monitor and maintain stock administration records and reporting.

Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Support reconciliation of payroll accounts and payroll‑related balance sheet accounts.
• Assist with stock compensation expense reconciliations, accounting support, and reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with Accounting during month‑end, quarter‑end, and year‑end close processes.
• Prepare payroll and equity compensation reports for management, auditors, and regulatory filings.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintain and optimize payroll systems and related processes.
• Partner with HRIS and Finance teams on payroll system enhancements and integrations.
• Identify opportunities for automation, efficiency improvements, and stronger internal controls.
• Develop and maintain payroll and equity administration procedures and documentation.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 7+ years of payroll experience, including payroll processing and compliance responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. payroll tax laws and regulations.
• Experience managing multi‑state payroll operations.
• Experience with payroll systems such as Workday, ADP, or UKG.
• Strong experience with equity compensation and stock administration.
• Hands‑on experience processing equity transactions, including grants, vesting, exercises, releases, and cancellations.
• Experience managing payroll tax implications of equity compensation programs.
• Strong understanding of payroll accounting, reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Advanced Excel and reporting skills.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience within a financial services organization, including banking, asset management, fintech, insurance, or wealth management.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation.
• Experience with stock plan administration platforms such as Fidelity, Morgan Stanley Shareworks, Carta, or similar systems.
• Knowledge of ASC 718 stock‑based compensation accounting.
• Experience supporting SOX compliance and audit requirements.

Key Competencies

• U.S. Payroll Tax Compliance
• Multi‑State Payroll Administration
• Equity Compensation Administration
• Stock Plan Operations
• Payroll Systems & HRIS
• Payroll Accounting & Reconciliations
• Regulatory Compliance
• Process Improvement & Automation
• Financial Reporting
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration

Success Factors

The successful candidate will bring a strong combination of payroll expertise and equity compensation administration experience. They will ensure accurate payroll processing, proper tax treatment of equity awards, regulatory compliance, and strong internal controls while supporting a positive employee experience and partnering effectively across Finance, HR, Tax, and Legal functions. They will stay current on regulatory developments impacting payroll and equity compensation and proactively implement necessary changes to maintain compliance and operational excellence.