Payroll Manager
Job Description
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to oversee and execute payroll operations with a high level of accuracy, timeliness, and compliance. This role serves as the second-in-command to the Director of Payroll, with responsibility for supporting day-to-day operations and acting on behalf of the Director when needed. The position is critical to ensuring payroll continuity, regulatory compliance (including California wage and hour laws), and operational stability across multiple facilities.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Operations
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Manage full-cycle payroll processing (bi-weekly or as applicable) for multi-site, multi-state employees
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Ensure accurate and timely payment of wages, including regular, overtime, bonuses, and off-cycle payments
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Review and process employee data changes, including new hires, terminations, pay rate changes, and status updates
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Process manual checks and ensure compliant final pay practices, including strict adherence to California final pay requirements
Leadership & Coverage
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Serve as primary backup to the Director of Payroll, with authority to oversee payroll operations in their absence
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Assist in prioritization, escalation management, and decision-making for payroll-related issues
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Support training, guidance, and oversight of payroll staff to ensure consistency and accuracy
Compliance & Risk Management
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Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including California wage and hour laws (overtime, meal/rest
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break premiums, final pay timing)
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Administer wage garnishments, levies, and child support orders in accordance with legal requirements
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Maintain payroll records in compliance with California record retention requirements
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Prepare and submit required government filings (e.g., EDD reporting, tax filings) accurately and on time
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Support internal and external audits (payroll tax, PBJ, workers’ compensation, financial audits)
Employee Support
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Respond to employee inquiries regarding pay, deductions, taxes, and withholdings in a timely and professional manner
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Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies or complaints, escalating issues as appropriate
Reporting & Systems
- Prepare and analyze payroll reports for leadership, finance, and HR
- Ensure integrity of payroll data within HRIS systems (UKG Pro and Workforce Management)
- Partner with HR, Finance, and IT to improve payroll processes, controls, and system functionality
- Process Improvement
- Identify inefficiencies and implement improvements to increase accuracy, compliance, and scalability
- Establish and maintain internal controls to mitigate payroll-related risks
Qualifications
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Minimum of 3 years of payroll experience, including multi-state payroll administration
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Prior leadership or supervisory experience required
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Strong working knowledge of federal and California payroll laws and tax regulations
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Experience in healthcare, skilled nursing, or long-term care environments preferred
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Proficiency in payroll systems such as UKG Pro and Workforce Management (WFM)
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Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications
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Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field preferred
Core Competencies
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High level of accuracy and attention to detail
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Strong organizational and time management skills
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Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
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Sound judgment and problem-solving ability
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Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex payroll matters
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Ability to work independently while supporting team leadership
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High level of discretion and confidentiality
Compliance & Work Environment Notes
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This role requires strict adherence to California wage and hour laws, including final pay timing, overtime calculations, and required
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Recordkeeping
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Payroll errors in California carry financial penalties; timely and accurate processing is essential
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Position may require extended hours during payroll cycles, audits, and year-end processing
Meet Your Recruiter
Alexis Cabero
Director, Healthcare Division
As Branch Manager, Alexis Cabero oversees recruiting efforts across all divisions while spearheading the Legal and Healthcare divisions. She leads a team of recruiters and drives talent strategies that support a wide range of business needs. Alexis specializes in identifying top-tier professionals in accounting & finance, legal support, medical devices, administrative operations, customer service, engineering, and human resources.
A graduate of the University of California, Irvine with a B.A. in Arts and Digital Media, Alexis began her recruiting career in 2014 staffing assisted living facilities—matching compassionate healthcare professionals with clients who needed dedicated, non-medical personal care. Her experience has since expanded into high-volume recruiting, professional staffing, and niche talent acquisition, placing candidates in roles such as Staff Accountants, AP/AR Specialists, Payroll professionals, Legal Assistants, Paralegals, and other essential positions.
Alexis is passionate about helping individuals recognize and reach their full potential. She takes a consultative, personalized approach with every candidate, using a thorough discovery process to understand their strengths and align them with meaningful opportunities exclusive to Marquee Staffing.