Payroll Manager

Core Responsibilities

• Own and execute biweekly payroll across multiple California locations.
• Review and ensure the accuracy of timecards, new hires, terminations, promotions, transfers, leaves, and compensation changes.
• Manage complex payroll scenarios, including retroactive pay, bonuses, commissions, differentials, shift premiums, tips, and payroll corrections.
• Ensure payroll is processed accurately, on time, and in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain complete and accurate payroll records while protecting confidential employee information.
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies, employee questions, and system issues promptly and professionally.

Leadership and Business Partnership

• Serve as Embarc's internal payroll subject matter expert and trusted advisor.
• Partner closely with Human Resources, Finance, Legal, and Operations to ensure payroll practices support business needs and compliance requirements.
• Provide guidance to managers regarding payroll policies, wage and hour requirements, and complex employee pay situations.
• Build scalable payroll processes that support new locations, organizational growth, and evolving workforce needs.
• Document payroll procedures and establish consistent payroll practices across the organization.
• Support the continued development and future growth of the payroll function.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Interpret and apply California wage and hour laws, including overtime, meal and rest periods, paid sick leave, final pay, and recordkeeping requirements.
• Ensure payroll practices comply with collective bargaining agreements and union payroll requirements.
• Monitor payroll-related legislative and regulatory changes and recommend necessary policy, process, or system updates.
• Partner with Human Resources and Legal to evaluate and resolve complex payroll compliance matters.
• Identify payroll risks and implement appropriate controls and corrective actions.

Payroll Tax and Reporting

• Oversee payroll tax calculations, filings, remittances, and agency reporting.
• Manage benefits deductions, garnishments, union dues, levies, and other required withholdings.
• Ownt year-end payroll processes, including W-2 preparation, validation, distribution, and compliance reporting.
• Prepare payroll reports, reconciliations, and analytics for Finance and company leadership.
• Support payroll budgeting, forecasting, and labor-cost analysis.

Controls, Systems, and Process Improvement

• Establish and maintain effective payroll controls, approval processes, and audit readiness.
• Maintain payroll system integrity, employee data accuracy, and appropriate access controls.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll accuracy, efficiency, and the employee experience.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and external vendors on payroll system enhancements, integrations, and optimization.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, payroll calendars, checklists, and scalable process documentation.