Payroll Manager

About the role

Under the direction of the Head of Payroll, coordinate and manage technical payroll accounting activities; manage the preparation, maintenance, processing, analysis and auditing of manual and automated payroll data, information, records and reports; ensure accuracy and completeness of payroll transactions; lead, train and provide work direction and guidance to internal and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and ensure accurate, timely payroll operations including gross pay calculations, deductions, retroactive adjustments, and retirement contributions; ensure compliance with applicable laws, IRS regulations, and internal policies.
• Maintain, audit, and update HR/payroll systems; identify and resolve discrepancies in collaboration with IT and vendors; ensure data integrity for employee records, benefits, taxes, and annuities.
• Manage month-end payroll accounting, including journal entries and financial statements in NetSuite; coordinate payroll-related audits and reporting functions for retirement funds, annuities, and benefits.
• Provide technical training and support to staff; respond to employee and external agency inquiries; compose and distribute payroll-related materials, employment verifications, and audit responses.
• Monitor and analyze legislative changes affecting payroll, retirement, health benefits, and tax codes; assist with policy implementation and system updates to maintain compliance and efficiency.
• Train, mentor, and provide work direction to payroll staff; plan and conduct workshops and technical training to ensure consistent understanding of payroll processes and compliance.
• Perform complex payroll calculations and oversee the accurate input, coding, adjustment, and reconciliation of timesheets, forms, and applications.
• Interpret and apply relevant laws, regulations, and policies; ensure accurate and compliant payroll practices through regular auditing and monitoring.
• Maintain cooperative working relationships, handle sensitive information with discretion, and manage the preparation of financial and statistical payroll records and reports.

Requirements

• 3-5 years of processing experience with ADP Workforce including hourly/salary employees.
• 3-5 years of processing experience with International payroll – working knowledge of PEO/EOR systems.
• 3-5 years of Accounting Month End experience - processes/procedures along with Journal Entry preparation and utilizing NetSuite and preparation of financial statements and comprehensive accounting reports.
• Associate’s degree with course work in accounting, business or related field.
• Must be able to work in office Monday – Thursday of each week.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of payroll administration, month-end accounting processes, journal entries, and the preparation of financial statements and comprehensive reports.
• In-depth understanding of domestic and international laws, regulations, and policies related to payroll, retirement systems (e.g., 401(k), IRC 125, HSA), tax withholding, and employee benefits.
• Skilled in preparing, maintaining, verifying, auditing, and processing payroll records and reports, ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable standards.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively and professionally with internal teams and external partners.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage.
• Retirement benefits.
• Learning and development stipend.
• Generous PTO.
• Eligible for additional benefits such as a commuter stipend.
• Equity based compensation, subject to Board of Director approval.

Pay

The base salary range for this full-time position in the location of California is: $136,000—$170,000 USD. Compensation packages at Scale for eligible roles include base salary, equity, and benefits. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position and may be inclusive of several career levels at Scale; it will be determined during the interview process based on work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, interview performance, and relevant education or training.

About Us

At Scale, our mission is to develop reliable AI systems for the world's most important decisions. Our products provide the high-quality data and full-stack technologies that power the world's leading models, and help enterprises and governments build, deploy, and oversee AI applications that deliver real impact. We work closely with industry leaders like Meta, Ernst & Young, Mayo Clinic, Time Inc., the Government of Qatar, and U.S. government agencies including the Army and Air Force.