Manager, Payroll Operations

Company: WOTM - Partners Professional
Location: Irvine
Posted on: February 18, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Position Summary The Manager, Payroll Operations is responsible for overseeing all payroll operations across multiple U.S. entities, ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing. This role manages payroll, covering weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly pay cycles. The Payroll Manager partners closely with HR, Accounting, IT, and external vendors to maintain data integrity, optimize payroll processes, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver exceptional service to employees. Essential Job Functions Payroll Processing & Compliance Manage and process weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly payroll for U.S. employees—including hourly, salaried, temporary, and expatriate employees—across multiple business entities. Ensure payroll compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and internal company policies. Review and approve payroll inputs including new hires, terminations, transfers, promotions, retroactive payments, bonuses, and commissions. Maintain accurate payroll records, including garnishments, tax withholdings, benefit deductions, and timekeeping data. Oversee year-end payroll activities including W-2 processing, taxable fringe benefit reporting, and payroll tax reconciliation. Performance Review Administration Support online administration of the annual performance review process (Balanced Scorecard), ensuring timely completion and system integrity throughout the year. Systems Management Administer the Paycor payroll system and related integrations to ensure data accuracy and seamless functionality. Partner with HRIS and IT teams to manage system updates, troubleshoot issues, and safeguard employee data integrity. Identify and implement automation opportunities and workflow improvements within payroll operations. Audits & Reporting Prepare payroll, tax, and labor-related reports for HR, Accounting, and senior leadership. Lead internal payroll audits and maintain documentation supporting JSOX and internal control requirements. Support external financial audits by providing reconciliations, payroll detail, and required documentation. Employee Support Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll inquiries, tax-related questions, and policy interpretation. Provide timely, accurate, and confidential assistance to employees and managers. Support employees with tax form updates, direct deposit changes, and timecard corrections. Vendor & Benefits Coordination Coordinate payroll-related benefit deductions and reporting, including retirement plans, medical/dental/vision coverage, FSA/HSA, and commuter benefits. Ensure timely payment and reconciliation of payroll taxes, garnishments, and vendor invoices. Leadership & Collaboration Develop and maintain payroll standard operating procedures and documentation. Train HR staff on payroll processes, system functionality, and compliance standards. Participate in cross-functional projects, compliance initiatives, and system enhancements impacting payroll operations. Required Skills & Abilities Core Competencies Integrity & Confidentiality Analytical Thinking & Accuracy Customer Service Excellence Process Improvement Mindset Cross-Functional Collaboration Accountability & Ownership Core Skills Accuracy Maintains minimal error rate; demonstrates attention to detail; follows established procedures; proactively identifies and resolves potential issues. Reliability Consistently dependable; meets deadlines; maintains strong attendance and work output. Judgment Makes sound, defensible decisions based on relevant data and policy. Loyalty & Discretion Maintains confidentiality of sensitive payroll and company information; adheres to company policies and reporting procedures. Communication Communicates clearly and professionally—both written and verbal—while respecting diverse communication styles and maintaining appropriate tone and discretion. Job-Specific Skills Experience with expatriate payroll or global mobility programs. Knowledge of JSOX control requirements and audit documentation. Experience with HRIS integrations and payroll process automation. Job Requirements Education Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field. Experience 5 years of progressive payroll experience, including at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory capacity. Experience processing payroll across multiple pay frequencies (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly). Strong understanding of multi-state payroll, wage and hour compliance, and payroll tax regulations. Experience managing payroll across multiple entities or business units. Experience with Paycor or similar payroll/HRIS platforms. Advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, pivot tables, complex formulas). Exceptional accuracy, analytical capability, and attention to detail. Strong customer service orientation and communication skills. Company Description Our Professional Division works with clients as a stakeholder in their hiring strategy and process. We facilitate a solid match for our employees and clients, examining the experience and team dynamics required for a great match. Our professional team was handpicked from 25 years of recruiting and staffing experience to build our Professional team to be the best in the industry. We focus on professional placements in your Executive Placement, Accounting & Finance, Human Resources, and Administrative Support areas. We place candidates leveraging direct hire, contract-to-hire, contingent, and “Smart Hire” modalities. Company Description Our Professional Division works with clients as a stakeholder in their hiring strategy and process. We facilitate a solid match for our employees and clients, examining the experience and team dynamics required for a great match. Our professional team was handpicked from 25 years of recruiting and staffing experience to build our Professional team to be the best in the industry. We focus on professional placements in your Executive Placement, Accounting & Finance, Human Resources, and Administrative Support areas. We place candidates leveraging direct hire, contract-to-hire, contingent, and “Smart Hire” modalities.

Keywords: WOTM - Partners Professional, Santa Ana , Manager, Payroll Operations, Accounting, Auditing , Irvine, California