Payroll Supervisor

ABOUT US:

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION TITLE:  Payroll Supervisor

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Payroll Supervisor is responsible for overseeing and managing the daily operations of the payroll department, ensuring accurate and timely processing of payroll for all employees. including regular salaried and hourly employees as well as scholarship recipients with stipend-based payments. This role involves supervising payroll staff, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and implementing best practices for payroll processing. The Payroll Supervisor will also collaborate with other departments, resolve payroll-related issues, and ensure the integrity of payroll data. 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:  

• Supervise and manage the payroll team, providing guidance, training, and performance feedback. 
• Oversee the processing of payroll for all employees, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. 
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations, including tax filings and deductions. 
• Review and verify payroll data, including timekeeping records, salary adjustments, benefits deductions, and other payroll-related changes. 
• Maintain accurate payroll records and ensure data integrity in the payroll system. 
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and other departments to resolve payroll-related issues and answer employee inquiries. 
• Conduct audits of payroll transactions and records to ensure accuracy and compliance. 
• Prepare and submit payroll reports to management, as needed. 
• Stay updated on payroll regulations and industry best practices to ensure continuous improvement of payroll processes. 
• Oversee payroll and tax compliance for a foreign national workforce, including employees and non-employees subject to special tax rules. 
• Maintain and administer Glacier, ensuring accurate setup, ongoing maintenance, treaty application, tax residency determinations, and document collection. 
• Oversee year-end and periodic tax filings and reporting related to foreign nationals, including 1042, 1042-S, and related reconciliations, in coordination with internal teams and external vendors. 
• Assist in the development and implementation of payroll policies and procedures. 

REQUIREMENTS:

• Preferred bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, with at least 3 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Advanced proficiency in payroll software (e.g., Workday, UKG) and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proactive in developing expertise beyond the team’s current scope.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred.
• Familiarity with multi-state payroll and international payroll practices preferred.

• While subject to change based on business needs, this is an on-campus position requiring a minimum of 4 days per week working onsite from our La Jolla campus, with flexibility to work 1 day per week remotely from home.

COMPENSATION:

The expected hiring range for this position is $105,500 to $117,000/annually, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements. 

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan – Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site parking 

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms.  The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff. 

EEO Statement:

The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.