
Payroll Manager
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Overview
Job Description
Reporting to the Controller and working closely with the CFO and Human Resources team, this role serves as the subject matter expert for all payroll-related functions while also supporting accounting operations, reconciliations, audits, and financial reporting activities.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll professional with a strong accounting foundation who enjoys working cross-functionally and making a meaningful impact within a mission-driven organization.
What You'll Do:
Payroll Leadership
- Manage and oversee the full payroll cycle for approximately 140-150 employees on a semi-monthly basis
- Review and monitor employee timecards, approvals, missed punches, and payroll-related changes
- Ensure payroll accuracy and compliance with federal, California state, and local regulations
- Administer payroll-related deductions, garnishments, benefits, retirement contributions, leave programs, and tax reporting
- Partner closely with Human Resources on new hires, terminations, employee changes, and payroll-related inquiries
- Prepare payroll audits, quarterly reporting, reconciliations, and compliance documentation
- Serve as the primary payroll resource for employees, managers, and leadership
Accounting & Finance Support
- Prepare payroll-related journal entries and account reconciliations
- Assist with month-end close activities and financial reporting
- Support annual audits and special accounting projects
- Reconcile benefit invoices and retirement plan contributions
- Collaborate with Accounting and HR to strengthen internal controls and improve payroll processes
What They're Looking For:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
- 5+ years of accounting experience
- 2+ years of hands-on payroll processing experience
- Strong knowledge of California payroll laws and regulations
- Experience managing payroll compliance, taxes, garnishments, and employee benefits
- Experience preparing payroll journal entries and reconciliations
- Excellent communication and employee service skills
- Strong Excel and HRIS/payroll system experience
- Ability to work independently while collaborating across departments
Preferred Qualifications:
- Paylocity experience
- Nonprofit or educational institution experience
- Experience with 403(b) retirement plans
- Knowledge of FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, and workers' compensation administration
Why Join:
- Newly created role with significant ownership and visibility
- Direct partnership with senior leadership, including the CFO and Controller
- Mission-driven organization with a collaborative culture
- Primarily remote work environment with flexibility
- Excellent healthcare benefits
- Generous paid time off and holidays
- 403(b) retirement plan and employer contributions
- Opportunity to help build and improve payroll processes during an exciting transition
Automate your job search with Sonara.
Submit 10x as many applications with less effort than one manual application.
