Payroll Manager – Workday Payroll, Multi-State Payroll

Onboard

Payroll Manager overseeing end-to-end payroll operations for over 1,500 employees using Workday Payroll. Managing payroll tax compliance, accounting, and operational excellence in a hybrid work setup.

Posted 7/7/2026full-timeCalifornia • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates extensive expertise in end-to-end multi-state payroll processing using Workday Payroll, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations. Proficient in payroll accounting, reconciliations, and leveraging AI tools to enhance payroll efficiency and accuracy.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Workday Payroll ExperienceEnd-to-End Multi-State Payroll ProcessingPayroll Accounting KnowledgePayroll SOX ControlsMicrosoft Excel Proficiency

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Payroll ProcessingPayroll ReconciliationGeneral Ledger ReconciliationPayroll Journal EntriesPayroll AccrualsW-2 ProcessingW-2c ProcessingEquity Transactions ProcessingPayroll Tax ComplianceMonth-End and Year-End Close

Soft Skills

Organizational SkillsCommunication SkillsProblem-Solving Skills

Tools & Technologies

Workday PayrollAI ToolsMicrosoft ExcelGoogle Sheets

Industry Keywords

Payroll Tax RegulationsSOX ControlsFLSA CompliancePayroll AuditsTime and Attendance Management

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Process end-to-end multi-state payroll for more than 1,500 employees using Workday Payroll.
Manage payroll activities from payroll preparation through final processing.
Process employee equity transactions and related payroll tax withholding.
Troubleshoot payroll issues and resolve payroll discrepancies.
Partner with HRIS and IT on Workday enhancements, testing, and system updates.
Serve as the primary payroll subject matter expert.
Prepare payroll journal entries.
Perform payroll reconciliations and general ledger reconciliations.
Review payroll accruals and payroll liabilities.
Support month-end and year-end financial close activities.
Partner with Accounting to ensure payroll expenses are accurately recorded.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations.
Process payroll remittances and tax filings.
Manage W-2 and W-2c processing.
Maintain payroll SOX controls and audit documentation.
Respond to payroll tax notices and agency inquiries.
Support payroll audits and internal compliance reviews.
Oversee time and attendance processes.
Ensure payroll data is accurate, complete, and submitted on time.
Administer garnishments, levies, and other required deductions.
Maintain compliance with FLSA and state wage and hour regulations.
Identify opportunities to automate payroll processes.
Support payroll system integrations and enhancements.
Utilize AI tools such as Claude, Gemini, or similar technologies to improve reporting, documentation, research, and workflow efficiency.
Recommend process improvements that reduce manual effort and improve payroll accuracy.

Requirements

What you’ll need

8+ years of payroll experience (exceptional candidates with 4–6 years of extensive Workday Payroll ownership will also be considered).
Hands-on experience processing payroll using Workday Payroll.
Experience managing end-to-end multi-state payroll processing.
Strong payroll accounting knowledge including:
Payroll journal entries
General ledger reconciliation
Payroll reconciliations
Payroll accruals
Month-end and year-end close
Experience processing equity transactions through Workday Payroll.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations.
Experience processing W-2 and W-2c forms.
Experience with payroll SOX controls.
Strong Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets proficiency.
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining confidentiality.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
Retirement plans
Paid time off
Flexible work arrangements