Multi-State Payroll Manager

Cascade Living Group is seeking an experienced Multi-State Payroll Manager to lead our centralized payroll function supporting communities and home office operations across Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming.

About the role

This position is responsible for leading payroll operations for a multi-state workforce while ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations. The Multi-State Payroll Manager serves as the organization's payroll compliance expert, providing leadership on complex payroll matters, partnering with Human Resources and Finance, and ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across all states.

The ideal candidate is an experienced payroll leader with exceptional knowledge of multi-state payroll compliance, particularly California payroll laws and regulations, strong accounting skills, and a passion for continuous improvement and customer service.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee end-to-end payroll processing for associates across Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and compliant payroll processing for a multi-state workforce.
• Serve as the organization's subject matter expert on multi-state payroll compliance, with advanced knowledge of California payroll laws and regulations.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local payroll laws, including wage and hour laws, overtime requirements, meal and rest period premium pay, wage statement requirements, final pay laws, paid sick leave, payroll tax regulations, garnishments, and other payroll-related legal requirements.
• Monitor changes in payroll legislation and implement process, policy, and system updates to maintain compliance across all states.
• Review payroll audits, reconciliations, payroll adjustments, and off-cycle payroll processing.
• Serve as the escalation point for complex payroll, tax, and compliance issues.
• Coordinate year-end payroll activities, including W-2 processing, payroll tax reporting, reconciliations, and audits.
• Maintain payroll controls, documentation, and audit-ready records.

Payroll Accounting

• Prepare and review payroll-related journal entries.
• Reconcile payroll general ledger accounts and resolve discrepancies.
• Support month-end and year-end financial close processes.
• Ensure payroll expenses are accurately allocated across departments and cost centers.
• Partner with Finance to ensure payroll expenses are accurately reflected in the organization's financial statements.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop payroll team members.
• Establish priorities and workflows to ensure payroll deadlines are consistently met.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, customer service, and continuous improvement.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, increase efficiency, and strengthen compliance.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Serve as the payroll system subject matter expert.
• Support payroll system implementations, upgrades, testing, and integrations.
• Partner with Human Resources, Finance, Benefits, Information Technology, and Tax teams to improve payroll operations.
• Ensure payroll data integrity, confidentiality, and compliance with company policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Five (5) or more years of progressive payroll leadership or management experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing payroll operations for a multi-state organization.
• Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations.
• Demonstrated expertise in California payroll compliance, including wage and hour laws, overtime requirements, meal and rest period premium pay, wage statement requirements, final pay laws, paid sick leave, payroll tax regulations, garnishments, and other applicable California labor and payroll laws.
• Experience preparing payroll accounting journal entries, payroll reconciliations, and general ledger activities.
• Experience with payroll systems such as Paylocity, ADP, UKG, Workday, Paychex, or similar payroll platforms.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical payroll deadlines.
• High level of integrity and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation.
• Experience supporting multi-location or shared services payroll environments.
• Experience in senior living, healthcare, or hospitality.
• Experience leading payroll system implementations or conversions.

Pay

$90,000 - $110,000 annually (depending on experience).

Schedule

Full-time, on-site.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 401(k) with company match
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company-paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee discount programs
• Professional development and career growth opportunities

About Cascade Living Group

At Cascade Living Group, we believe our associates are our greatest asset. We are committed to creating a culture built on:

• Trust & Respect
• Kindness & Tolerance
• Communication & Collaboration
• Accountability & Empowerment
• Doing the Right Thing