Senior Payroll Manager

East West Bank; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

East West Bank, headquartered in California, is seeking a Senior Payroll Manager to lead the payroll function. This role requires deep knowledge in U.S. payroll operations and equity compensation.

The ideal candidate will manage full-cycle payroll processing and ensure compliance with regulations, as well as administer equity compensation programs.

The base pay for this role ranges from USD $150,000 to $200,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of payroll experience, including leadership responsibility.
• Experience integrating equity platforms into payroll processes.
• Strong analytical and reconciliation skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee full-cycle payroll processing across multiple states.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Lead payroll audits, reconciliations, and quarterly/year-end activities.

Skills

U.S. payroll tax laws and regulations

Payroll systems such as Workday

Equity compensation and stock administration

Excel skills

Detail-oriented

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, HR, or related field

Tools

Workday

ADP

UKG

Job description

Since 1973, East West Bank has served as a pathway to success. With over 110 locations across the U.S. and Asia, we are the premier financial bridge between the East and West. Our teams of experienced, multi-cultural professionals help guide businesses and community members on both sides of the Pacific looking to explore new markets and create new opportunities, and our sustained growth and expertise in industries like real estate, entertainment and media, private equity and venture capital, and high-tech help build sustainable businesses and expand our associates’ potential for career advancement.

Headquartered in California, East West Bank (Nasdaq: EWBC) is a top-performing commercial bank with a strong foundation, an enterprising spirit and a commitment to absolute integrity. East West Bank gives people the confidence to reach further.

We are currently looking for a Senior Payroll Manager to join our team. The Senior Payroll Manager is responsible for leading the end-to-end payroll function, ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing across all employee populations. This position requires deep expertise in U.S. payroll operations, equity taxation, stock administration, and cross-functional collaboration with Finance, HR, Legal, and external vendors.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee full-cycle payroll processing (multi-states)
• Ensure payroll is processed accurately and on time in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Lead payroll audits, reconciliations, and quarter/year-end activities (W-2, 941, etc.)
• Establish and maintain strong internal controls and SOX compliance where applicable
• Administer all equity compensation programs, including RSUs and ESPP and maintain accurate equity records in the stock administration systems
• Process equity transactions such as grants, vesting, exercises, releases, and cancellations
• Ensure proper withholding, reporting, and remittance of taxes related to equity compensation
• Support reconciliation of stock compensation expenses and reporting
• Monitor regulatory changes related to payroll and equity compensation
• Drive continuous process improvements and automation initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, HR, or related field
• 10+ years of payroll experience, including leadership responsibility
• Deep knowledge of U.S. payroll tax laws and regulations
• Experience with payroll systems such as Workday, ADP, or UKG
• Strong experience with equity compensation and stock administration
• Experience integrating equity platforms into payroll processes
• Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite, including strong Excel skills
• Detail oriented with strong analytical, problem-solving, and reconciliation skills
• Strong work ethic and customer service skills

Applicants must have legal authorization to work in the United States. We do not offer visa sponsorship at this time.

Compensation

The base pay range for this position is USD $150,000.00/Yr. - USD $200,000.00/Yr. Exact offers will be determined based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location.