Payroll Accounting Manager

About the role

Cal Poly Partners has supported Cal Poly for over 75 years through programs, services, and operations that advance the university's educational mission. The organization is seeking an experienced Payroll Accounting Manager to lead comprehensive payroll operations for Cal Poly Partners and Associated Students, Incorporated (ASI). Reporting to the Controller or designee, the role oversees payroll operations, accounting, compliance, payroll tax reporting, systems, and staff while ensuring accurate and timely payroll administration. The position also focuses on strengthening processes, internal controls, and operational efficiencies across the organization. Cal Poly Partners processes payroll in-house on a biweekly basis for more than 150 full‑time and 1,800 student and part‑time employees, in addition to payroll services for ASI and its 500+ employees, using Workday for payroll and timekeeping. A remote work arrangement may be considered based on qualifications, organizational needs, and applicable policies; candidates approved for remote work must reside and perform work within the State of California.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee comprehensive payroll services for Cal Poly Partners and ASI.
• Manage payroll staff, including recruitment, training, performance management, workload planning, and professional development.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal and California wage and hour laws, tax requirements, and organizational policies.
• Oversee regular and off‑cycle payroll processing, including termination payments and payroll adjustments.
• Approve payroll‑related tax deposits, benefit remittances, garnishments, reconciliations, and journal entries.
• Oversee quarterly and annual payroll tax reporting, including W‑2/W‑2C processing and governmental filings.
• Lead payroll and timekeeping system operations, troubleshooting, improvements, and implementation initiatives.
• Analyze and improve payroll procedures, internal controls, and workflows.
• Support annual budgeting, account reconciliations, fiscal year‑end activities, and audits.
• Partner with HR, Finance, campus departments, governmental agencies, auditors, and other stakeholders on payroll and accounting matters.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five years of payroll experience, including at least three years running payroll in‑house.
• Minimum of three years of supervisory experience.
• Strong understanding of payroll operations, accounting practices, wage and hour requirements, and payroll tax compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply complex policies, laws, and regulations.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to make sound management decisions.
• Experience managing and developing employees.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and financial/payroll systems.

Qualifications

• Experience with or familiarity with OneSource Virtual (OSV) for payroll tax payments and reporting (preferred).

Skills

• Payroll operations and accounting
• Wage and hour law compliance
• Payroll tax reporting
• Workday payroll and timekeeping systems
• Staff management and development
• Analytical and problem‑solving
• Organizational, communication, interpersonal
• Microsoft Excel and Word proficiency