Payroll Manager

Job Description

The Payroll Manager (contract) serves as a payroll subject matter expert and a key member of the Finance team, supporting the needs of a growing organization. This role leads and supports payroll operations, tax and business processes, and vendor and partner management while delivering exceptional customer service to employees and internal stakeholders. In addition to owning critical payroll activities, the Payroll Manager contributes to broader finance and accounting initiatives, working closely with HR and Accounting in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate end-to-end payroll operations, including handling escalations, approvals, issue resolution, and employee communications.
• Manage selected payroll vendor activities, including regular payroll processing, month-end, quarter-end, and year-end or annual activities.
• Prepare and process leave of absence (LOA) calculations and other wage calculations, including manual adjustments and off-cycle or ad hoc payroll inputs.
• Prepare and process month-end and quarter-end payroll journal entries to support accurate financial reporting.
• Manage payroll-related tax notices, registrations, wage orders, government correspondence, and audit support activities.
• Conduct payroll audits focused on taxes, benefits, and employee changes to ensure compliance and data integrity.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 8+ years of payroll experience.
• Strong knowledge of California state tax and wage and hour laws.
• Experience with multi-state payroll; exposure to global payroll is a plus.
• Working knowledge of Ultimate Software/UKG HRIS and/or other payroll software.
• Solid understanding of payroll accounting to ensure accurate general ledger and tax reporting.
• Proven experience in payroll processing, including off-cycle and ad hoc payroll inputs.

Work Environment

The role operates within a lean, highly collaborative Finance team that partners closely with HR and other functions. The payroll environment uses a vendor-supported model (such as UKG or similar platforms) where the vendor manages file uploads and the internal team is responsible for full validation, auditing, and reporting. The work setting is fast-paced and dynamic, requiring flexibility, responsiveness, and a hands-on approach. You will work extensively with HRIS and payroll systems, financial reporting tools, and standard office technology while contributing to a culture of partnership, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of South San Francisco, CA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $75.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in South San Francisco, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 3, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.