Manager Payroll

PAQ, Inc. is committed to building a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work. We believe diverse perspectives and experiences strengthen our organization and drive better outcomes for our customers and communities.

The Payroll Manager oversees PAQ, Inc.’s payroll operations and payroll team, ensuring payroll is processed accurately, timely, and in compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour regulations. This role is responsible for payroll processing oversight, payroll system controls, employee pay-related inquiries, payroll reporting, audit support, and continuous improvement of payroll procedures.

Essential Functions of the Position:

• Manages, trains, develops, and supports payroll department staff to ensure accurate payroll processing, effective customer service, and compliance with company procedures.
• Oversees the daily workflow of the payroll department, including payroll calendars, processing deadlines, issue resolution, payroll review, and coordination with Human Resources, Finance, and Operations.
• Provides coaching, feedback, and timely performance evaluations for payroll department staff in accordance with company procedures.
• Implements, maintains, and reviews payroll processing systems and internal controls to support timely and accurate payroll transactions, including regular wages, overtime, bonuses, benefits deductions, garnishments, payroll taxes, and other earnings or deductions.
• Ensures accurate and timely processing of payroll updates, including new hires, terminations, job changes, pay rate changes, direct deposit updates, tax elections, benefit deductions, and other employee payroll changes.
• Prepares, reviews, and maintains accurate payroll records, reconciliations, audit files, and reports to support payroll processing, financial reporting, compliance, and management review.
• Ensures compliance with federal, California, state, and local payroll, wage and hour, tax, garnishment, and recordkeeping requirements, as well as company policies and payroll best practices.
• Facilitates internal and external audits by providing payroll records, reconciliations, reports, documentation, explanations, and follow-up support as requested.
• Identifies and recommends updates to payroll processing software, system configurations, internal controls, procedures, training materials, and department workflows to improve accuracy, efficiency, compliance, and employee service.
• Responds to escalated payroll questions from employees, managers, Human Resources, and other departments; researches payroll issues; explains payroll calculations or adjustments; and ensures timely resolution of pay-related concerns.
• Oversees payroll-related timekeeping processes, including review of timecard submission, approval status, exception reporting, missed punches, meal period or overtime issues, and coordination with managers to resolve payroll-impacting discrepancies.
• Coordinates payroll tax activities, including review of payroll tax data, agency notices, filings, deposits, amendments, and related communications with payroll vendors, tax agencies, and internal stakeholders.
• Partners with payroll vendors, HRIS resources, Finance, Human Resources, and Operations to troubleshoot system issues, test payroll changes, validate integrations, and support payroll-related projects or system implementations.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support departmental and organizational objectives.

Knowledge:

• Extensive knowledge of the payroll function including preparation, balancing, internal controls, and payroll taxes.
• Proficiency with payroll and HRIS systems, including Workday and Dayforce, with the ability to adapt to and support the adoption of additional systems and technologies as business needs evolve. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word.
• Up-to-date knowledge of payroll regulations, tax laws, and compliance standards.

Skills:

• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for addressing employee inquiries and collaborating with team members.
• Strong analytical skills for auditing payroll and identifying discrepancies.
• Fast and accurate data entry skills to efficiently process payroll information.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain records and manage many payroll transactions.
• Ability to communicate payroll information clearly and professionally with employees, managers, Human Resources, Finance, and external partners while maintaining confidentiality and resolving issues timely.

Abilities:

• Ability to perform detailed calculations and manage multiple tasks with accuracy.
• Ability to meticulously review payroll documents for accuracy and completeness.
• Ability to handle sensitive payroll information with integrity and confidentiality.
• Ability to adapt to new software, processes, policies, procedures, and regulatory changes affecting payroll, timekeeping, benefits deductions, and employee pay.

Physical Requirements:

• A significant portion of the day is spent sitting at a desk, working on a computer, and performing administrative tasks.
• Must handle paperwork, files, and documents, including lifting, carrying, and organizing paperwork as needed.
• Proficiency in using typical office equipment such as photocopiers, scanners, fax machines, and printers.
• Ability to perform tasks that require fine motor skills, such as using a keyboard, writing, or handling small objects.

Work Conditions:

• Work Hours: Typically, Monday to Friday, at least 8 hours daily, with occasional overtime to meet project deadlines.
• Environment: Indoor, climate-controlled, with adequate lighting and ventilation.
• Primary Work Stations: Dedicated workspace designed to minimize distractions, allowing for concentration on tasks.
• Dress Code: Business casual attire, flexible for more formal or relaxed dress depending on company events or meetings.
• Exposure: May be exposed to electrical and lighting hazards.
• Noise Level: Usually low to moderate.
• Interaction: Constant interaction with team members in an office environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field preferred.
• Experience: Seven years of progressively responsible payroll experience required, including experience with full-cycle payroll processing, payroll compliance, payroll reporting, and payroll system use; five years of supervisory or management experience preferred.
• Certification from PayrollOrg, such as Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC), is required and/or the ability to obtain certification within the first year of employment.

Company Employment Policies:

• PAQ, Inc is an “At-Will” employer.

• PAQ, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

Job Title: Payroll Manager

Location: PAQ, Inc, RSC Lodi, On-Site

Reports To: Controller

Employee Type: Regular, Full-Time

Exemption Type: Exempt

Pay Range:

Equal Employment Opportunity

PAQ, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

PAQ, Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants throughout the hiring process. If you need an accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please let us know.

Work Authorization

All employment offers are contingent upon verification of authorization to work in the United States in compliance with applicable federal laws.

Pay Transparency (California)

The base pay range for this position is listed above. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as qualifications, experience, internal equity, and business need.

Fair Chance Statement (California)

We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the California Fair Chance Act and applicable local ordinances.

Applicant Privacy Notice

To learn more about how we collect, use, and retain applicant personal information, please review our Applicant Privacy Notice at: https://www.paqinc.org/privacyPolicy

Employment‑At‑Will

Employment with PAQ, Inc. is at will. Either the employee or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law.

Duties Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Responsibilities may change or be reassigned at any time based on business needs.