Payroll Lead/Supervisor

As the leading transit bus manufacturer in the United States, GILLIG buses play a critical role in the environmental and social initiatives in communities across our nation.  GILLIG is on the forefront in the transition to zero-emission vehicles and has an unmatched reputation in the industry for quality, reliability, durability, service, and support.  From initial design through final assembly, each GILLIG bus is designed and built in Livermore, CA. 

WHY GILLIG

• Leader in environmentally friendly mobility solutions including battery electric, hybrid electric, near-zero CNG and clean diesel transit buses
• Renowned for its inclusive team/family-oriented culture
• Stable, successful, and growing organization – a Bay Area business for over 132 years!
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Excellent compensation including company paid medical premiums, generous retirement plan and other comprehensive benefits

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for an experienced temporary Payroll Lead/Supervisor to oversee and execute end-to-end payroll operations during a critical period of stabilization and optimization. This role is hands-on and highly visible, with responsibility for ensuring payroll accuracy, compliance, and system effectiveness across the organization.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll, UKG Time & Attendance (Kronos), and advanced Excel to support payroll analysis, reconciliations, audits, and reporting.

Your ultimate goal will be to maintain compliance, streamline payroll procedures for efficiency, and stay current with payroll regulations and best practices. As the Payroll Lead, you will play a vital role in safeguarding the financial well-being of the organization and ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time.

This is an on-site, temporary position at our Livermore, CA Headquarters and reports to the Director of Human Resources.

IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL

Payroll Operations & Compliance

• Lead and manage end-to-end payroll processing for hourly and salaried employees
• Oversee and direct corporate payroll procedures, ensuring timely and accurate payroll execution
• Research and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, garnishments, deductions (SUI, SDI, etc.), earnings, and tax regulations
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge of all payroll-related laws and regulations, including multi-state payroll and taxation
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll updates, including new hires, terminations, merit increases, pay rate changes, and manual/off-cycle checks
• Resolve complex payroll issues, including retro pay, corrections, garnishments, and adjustments
• Oversee payroll audits, reconciliations, tax filings, and year-end activities (e.g., W-2s)

Systems, Reporting & Process Management

• Serve as a subject matter expert for SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll
• Support payroll integrations and data accuracy between UKG Time & Attendance (Kronos) and SuccessFactors
• Implement, maintain, and review payroll processing systems (timekeeping, HRIS, payroll) to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Lead payroll data analysis, reconciliations, and audits using advanced Excel (pivot tables, complex formulas, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, data validation)
• Maintain accurate payroll records and reports
• Identify, recommend, and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and internal controls

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership

• Collaborate closely with HR, HRIS, and Finance to draft and maintain payroll procedures and compliance documentation
• Partner with Finance and tax teams to support payroll tax setup for new states (e.g., EDD, SUI, state tax registrations)
• Manage all payroll-related audits and financial reporting requirements in collaboration with Finance and external auditors
• Act as a lead for payroll staff (depending on level), providing guidance, training, and oversight
• Support HR and business leaders with payroll reporting, insights, and issue resolution
• Assist with company events and HR programs as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Accounting, or related field; professional certification (CPP, CPM) preferred
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive payroll and compliance experience
• Hands-on experience with SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll (required)
• Hands-on experience with UKG Time & Attendance (Kronos) (required)
• Hands-on experience with Wisely paycard and ADP payment solutions (preferred)
• Immediate to advanced Excel proficiency, including complex formulas, pivot tables, reconciliations, and payroll analysis
• Strong knowledge of payroll compliance, wage and hour laws, and best practices
• Experience leading payroll operations, projects, or teams
• Excellent understanding of multi-location payroll and taxation
• High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to lift 25 lbs.
• Prolonged periods of sitting/standing at a desk and working on a computer
• Regularly required to sit, stand, and walk and occasionally kneel or squat
• The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able to navigate manufacturing environment, comfortable around heavy machinery, tools, etc.
• Must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment, (i.e. safety glasses, bump caps, hearing protection, etc.)
• No Travel Required
• Standard start time: 6:30 am (negotiable)

EXPECTED COMPENSATION

Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job classification, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

GILLIG is committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace that values and respects the unique talents, experiences, and perspectives of our employees and the people we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.

GILLIG is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.