Payroll Manager Jobs in California
Payroll Manager jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in technology, entertainment, healthcare, and large-scale retail and logistics operations, with openings at every level from payroll coordinator moving into management through senior director of payroll. The heaviest hiring is in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose, where companies like Apple, Salesforce, and Kaiser Permanente maintain major payroll operations and regularly post openings. The most in-demand specialties include multi-state payroll compliance, California-specific wage and hour law expertise, and payroll systems implementation for platforms like Workday and ADP. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 60+ Payroll Manager jobs
Posting Title: Senior Manager, Payroll Compliance
Reports To: Director, Payroll
Location: San Jose, CA
Salary Range: $138,750 to $183,000
- This position is eligible for the annual performance bonus plan.
Final determination of a successful candidate’s starting pay will vary based on a number of factors, including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, education and experience. The pay scale listed for this position is generally for candidates that meet the specified qualifications and requirements listed on this specific job description. We provide a competitive compensation package that recognizes your experience, credentials, and education alongside a robust benefits program to meet your needs. Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets.
WHO WE ARE
Since 1954, Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) has been powered by people who’ve built a reputation for delivering high-profile, complex projects. Real, tangible things that alter the landscape and improve lives. And we've done it with integrity for more than 70 years. We’re problem solvers and innovation seekers. We’re team players and safety fanatics. And we're proud to be part of Quanta Services (PWR:NYSE), North America's largest employer of skilled craft labor. Because what we do is important, but how we do it is everything.
THE FINANCE TEAM
Our projects may be complex, but our approach is simple: we build great things and we do it with great people. The Finance team at Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) provides employees, stakeholders and customers with timely and accurate financial information. The Finance Department is comprised of eight teams: Accounts Payable, Payroll, Billing, GL, FP&A, Tax, Risk Management and Project Accounting that work closely together to ensure compliance and the financial well-being of the company.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Senior Manager, Payroll Compliance is responsible for leading the organization’s payroll compliance framework to ensure full adherence with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as internal policies. This role plays a critical part in safeguarding the integrity of payroll operations by establishing strong controls, conducting audits, and driving continuous improvement in payroll accuracy and compliance.
The ideal candidate is a subject matter expert in payroll laws and regulations, with demonstrated experience in auditing payroll processes, mitigating risk, and managing cross-functional partnerships.
Payroll Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
- Ensure payroll operations comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including wage and hour laws, tax requirements, and reporting obligations across all jurisdictions.
- Monitor and interpret changes in payroll-related legislation and proactively implement required changes to policies, systems, and processes.
- Serve as the internal expert on payroll compliance matters, advising HR, Finance, Legal, and senior leadership.
Audit & Controls
- Design, implement, and maintain a robust payroll compliance and audit framework.
- Conduct regular payroll audits to validate accuracy, completeness, and compliance with internal controls and regulatory requirements.
- Lead internal and external payroll audits, including coordination with auditors and regulatory agencies.
- Identify control gaps and implement corrective actions to mitigate compliance risks.
Risk Management
- Assess payroll-related risks and develop strategies to minimize exposure.
- Ensure appropriate documentation, audit trails, and control mechanisms are in place.
- Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies, compliance incidents, and employee concerns.
Union Compliance & Labor Relations
- Ensure payroll practices comply with all applicable collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), including wage scales, shift differentials, overtime rules, and union dues/fees withholding.
- Ensure compliance with prevailing wage and certified payroll requirements (e.g., Davis-Bacon Act and state prevailing wage laws) for union and government contract work.
Process Improvement & Governance
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance payroll accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
- Establish and maintain standardized payroll policies, procedures, and governance structures.
- Partner with HRIS, Finance, and IT teams to ensure systems support compliance requirements and reporting accuracy.
Reporting & Analytics
- Develop and deliver compliance reporting, dashboards, and metrics to leadership.
- Analyze payroll data to identify trends, anomalies, and areas for improvement.
- Support regulatory reporting and filings as required.
Team Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team focused on payroll compliance and audit activities.
- Foster a culture of accountability, precision, and continuous learning.
ABOUT YOU
- Expertise in payroll compliance, internal controls, and audit methodologies.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Proven ability to interpret complex regulations and translate them into actionable processes.
- Experience with payroll systems (e.g., Workday, ADP, SAP) and audit tools.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience administering payroll under collective bargaining agreements and multiemployer benefit plans.
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s or relevant certification preferred).
Licensure/Certifications: Deep knowledge of U.S. payroll laws and regulations; global payroll experience is a plus.
Experience: 8+ years of payroll experience, with a strong focus on compliance and auditing. 3+ years in a leadership or management role.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or similar certification.
- Experience supporting multi-state payroll environments.
- Familiarity with SOX controls and audit frameworks.
- Experience with Taft-Hartley benefit fund reporting, certified payroll, and prevailing wage compliance in union environments.
#LI-BM1
PLEASE NOTE: CEI will never ask for any money or financial information from applicants during the hiring process. To learn more about "job scams" how to avoid them, click here.
CEI is a place where every single person can—and does—have an impact on the work we do and the communities we serve. Here, you can build your own story and grow to your full potential. You can collaborate and celebrate with amazing people. And you’ll go home every day knowing you helped contribute to important work that shapes people’s lives. Our commercial, data center and energy projects may be complex, but our approach is simple. We build great things and we do it with great people.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department, program or project needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.
Cupertino Electric Inc. aims to make cei.com accessible to any and all users. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to navigate our website or complete the application process, please contact us at ceijobs@cei.com or 1-(877)-747-4CEI.
Posting Title: Senior Manager, Payroll Compliance
Reports To: Director, Payroll
Location: San Jose, CA
Salary Range: $138,750 to $183,000
- This position is eligible for the annual performance bonus plan.
Final determination of a successful candidate’s starting pay will vary based on a number of factors, including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, education and experience. The pay scale listed for this position is generally for candidates that meet the specified qualifications and requirements listed on this specific job description. We provide a competitive compensation package that recognizes your experience, credentials, and education alongside a robust benefits program to meet your needs. Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets.
WHO WE ARE
Since 1954, Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) has been powered by people who’ve built a reputation for delivering high-profile, complex projects. Real, tangible things that alter the landscape and improve lives. And we've done it with integrity for more than 70 years. We’re problem solvers and innovation seekers. We’re team players and safety fanatics. And we're proud to be part of Quanta Services (PWR:NYSE), North America's largest employer of skilled craft labor. Because what we do is important, but how we do it is everything.
THE FINANCE TEAM
Our projects may be complex, but our approach is simple: we build great things and we do it with great people. The Finance team at Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) provides employees, stakeholders and customers with timely and accurate financial information. The Finance Department is comprised of eight teams: Accounts Payable, Payroll, Billing, GL, FP&A, Tax, Risk Management and Project Accounting that work closely together to ensure compliance and the financial well-being of the company.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Senior Manager, Payroll Compliance is responsible for leading the organization’s payroll compliance framework to ensure full adherence with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as internal policies. This role plays a critical part in safeguarding the integrity of payroll operations by establishing strong controls, conducting audits, and driving continuous improvement in payroll accuracy and compliance.
The ideal candidate is a subject matter expert in payroll laws and regulations, with demonstrated experience in auditing payroll processes, mitigating risk, and managing cross-functional partnerships.
Payroll Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
- Ensure payroll operations comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including wage and hour laws, tax requirements, and reporting obligations across all jurisdictions.
- Monitor and interpret changes in payroll-related legislation and proactively implement required changes to policies, systems, and processes.
- Serve as the internal expert on payroll compliance matters, advising HR, Finance, Legal, and senior leadership.
Audit & Controls
- Design, implement, and maintain a robust payroll compliance and audit framework.
- Conduct regular payroll audits to validate accuracy, completeness, and compliance with internal controls and regulatory requirements.
- Lead internal and external payroll audits, including coordination with auditors and regulatory agencies.
- Identify control gaps and implement corrective actions to mitigate compliance risks.
Risk Management
- Assess payroll-related risks and develop strategies to minimize exposure.
- Ensure appropriate documentation, audit trails, and control mechanisms are in place.
- Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies, compliance incidents, and employee concerns.
Union Compliance & Labor Relations
- Ensure payroll practices comply with all applicable collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), including wage scales, shift differentials, overtime rules, and union dues/fees withholding.
- Ensure compliance with prevailing wage and certified payroll requirements (e.g., Davis-Bacon Act and state prevailing wage laws) for union and government contract work.
Process Improvement & Governance
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance payroll accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
- Establish and maintain standardized payroll policies, procedures, and governance structures.
- Partner with HRIS, Finance, and IT teams to ensure systems support compliance requirements and reporting accuracy.
Reporting & Analytics
- Develop and deliver compliance reporting, dashboards, and metrics to leadership.
- Analyze payroll data to identify trends, anomalies, and areas for improvement.
- Support regulatory reporting and filings as required.
Team Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team focused on payroll compliance and audit activities.
- Foster a culture of accountability, precision, and continuous learning.
ABOUT YOU
- Expertise in payroll compliance, internal controls, and audit methodologies.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Proven ability to interpret complex regulations and translate them into actionable processes.
- Experience with payroll systems (e.g., Workday, ADP, SAP) and audit tools.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience administering payroll under collective bargaining agreements and multiemployer benefit plans.
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s or relevant certification preferred).
Licensure/Certifications: Deep knowledge of U.S. payroll laws and regulations; global payroll experience is a plus.
Experience: 8+ years of payroll experience, with a strong focus on compliance and auditing. 3+ years in a leadership or management role.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or similar certification.
- Experience supporting multi-state payroll environments.
- Familiarity with SOX controls and audit frameworks.
- Experience with Taft-Hartley benefit fund reporting, certified payroll, and prevailing wage compliance in union environments.
#LI-BM1
PLEASE NOTE: CEI will never ask for any money or financial information from applicants during the hiring process. To learn more about "job scams" how to avoid them, click here.
CEI is a place where every single person can—and does—have an impact on the work we do and the communities we serve. Here, you can build your own story and grow to your full potential. You can collaborate and celebrate with amazing people. And you’ll go home every day knowing you helped contribute to important work that shapes people’s lives. Our commercial, data center and energy projects may be complex, but our approach is simple. We build great things and we do it with great people.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department, program or project needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.
Cupertino Electric Inc. aims to make cei.com accessible to any and all users. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to navigate our website or complete the application process, please contact us at ceijobs@cei.com or 1-(877)-747-4CEI.
See All 60 Payroll Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Payroll Manager JobsPayroll Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Payroll Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in payroll manager jobs across California.
- CPP certification from the American Payroll Association is strongly preferred by most California employers
- Five or more years of payroll experience including California wage and hour law compliance
- Hands-on proficiency with enterprise payroll systems such as Workday, ADP, or Ceridian
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, human resources, or a closely related field
- Demonstrated experience managing multi-state payroll for a workforce of five hundred or more employees
- Strong working knowledge of California Labor Code, IRS regulations, and quarterly tax filing requirements
Payroll Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a payroll manager in California?
The most direct path is to earn a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or human resources, then build hands-on payroll experience before pursuing the Certified Payroll Professional credential offered by the American Payroll Association. California does not require a state-issued license to work as a payroll manager, but the CPP is widely treated as the professional standard by California employers. Familiarity with California's unique wage and hour rules, including daily overtime and final paycheck requirements, is essential before stepping into a management role.
How much do payroll managers make in California?
Payroll managers in California earn a median of about $166,730 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $105,840 for the lowest 10% to over $289,910 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire payroll managers in California?
Employers hiring payroll managers in California right now include SUN MAR HEALTH CARE, ghj, and Meta, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's concentration of large technology companies, entertainment studios, and regional healthcare systems means consistent demand for payroll managers who can handle complex, high-headcount payrolls.
Which California cities have the most payroll manager jobs?
San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Jose have the most payroll manager openings in California. Los Angeles drives volume through its entertainment, retail, and healthcare sectors, while San Francisco and San Jose reflect the payroll demands of large technology headquarters and venture-backed companies that maintain extensive California workforces.
Are there remote payroll manager jobs in California?
Yes, and payroll management is more remote-friendly than most finance roles because the work is primarily systems-based and analytical rather than requiring a physical presence. About 60% of payroll manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting broader adoption of cloud-based payroll platforms. The most fully remote roles tend to focus on payroll processing and compliance rather than on-site HR coordination.
How can I get hired as a payroll manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is to start in a payroll specialist or payroll coordinator role, which large California employers in healthcare, retail, and technology hire for regularly and treat as the primary feeder into management. Companies like Kaiser Permanente and large California county governments often run structured development tracks for payroll staff. Earning the Fundamental Payroll Certification from the American Payroll Association before your first role signals commitment and gives you a competitive edge over candidates without credentials.
Where can I find and apply to payroll manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to payroll manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and experience levels. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your background and location, and apply directly to each position through the listing.
See All 60 Payroll Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Payroll Manager Jobs