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 6+ Payroll Manager jobs
About Decagon
Decagon is the leading conversational AI platform empowering every brand to deliver concierge customer experiences.
Our technology enables industry-defining enterprises like Avis Budget Group, Block’s Cash App and Square, Chime, Oura Health, and Hunter Douglas to deploy AI agents that power personalized, deeply satisfying interactions across voice, chat, email, SMS, and every other channel.
We’re building a future where customer experiences are being redefined from support tickets and hold music to faster resolutions, richer conversations, and deeper relationships. We’re proud to be backed by world-class investors who share that vision, including a16z, Accel, Bain Capital Ventures, Coatue, and Index Ventures, along with many others.
We’re an in-office company, driven by a shared commitment to excellence and velocity. Our values — Just Get It Done, Invent What Customers Want, Winner’s Mindset, and The Polymath Principle — shape how we work and grow as a team.
About the Team
The Accounting team at Decagon is at the center of our growth, building the financial foundation that powers a rapidly scaling startup. We ensure accurate, timely financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP while designing scalable processes and strong controls that support expansion across teams and geographies. Partnering closely with Sales, People, Legal, and Operations, we drive thoughtful spend management, contract oversight, and payroll excellence—balancing precision with agility in a fast-moving environment where our work directly enables the company’s next stage of growth.
About the Role
We’re looking for a high-impact Finance Operations & Payroll Manager to build the finance engine that keeps our company scaling. You’ll own payroll, expenses, AP, and AR, transforming these core operations into smooth, scalable systems that support a fast-moving, high-growth team. This is a high-impact individual contributor role responsible for ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll while helping build the processes and controls needed to support a rapidly scaling organization.
In this role, you will
- Own end-to-end global payroll processing for accuracy and compliance, including management of new hires, terminations, bonuses, and other variable compensation
- Perform payroll reconciliations, reporting, and audit support while maintaining strong process documentation and internal controls
- Administer end-to-end business travel and expense operations including corporate card management, expense report review, policy enforcement, and travel vendor relationships ensuring compliance, accurate GL coding, timely reimbursement, and monthly T&E reporting and variance analysis
- Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable, ensuring timely processing, accurate coding, and proper approvals while proactively managing vendor payments, cash application, and aging reports
- Lead month-end close activities across payroll, AP, and AR, including accruals and reconciliations
- Partner cross-functionally with People and Finance to support headcount growth and identify opportunities to improve automation and system efficiency across all owned functions
Your background looks something like this
- 6-8 years of progressive payroll experience, with full ownership of U.S. payroll
- Strong experience managing multi-state U.S. payroll in a high-growth or dynamic environment
- Deep knowledge of payroll compliance, tax regulations, and reporting requirements
- Experience working closely with HR / People and Finance teams
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to independently reconcile and resolve discrepancies
- A proactive, ownership-driven mindset with comfort operating in a fast-moving startup environment
Even better if you have
- Have worked in a hyper growth company
- Some exposure to or familiarity with accounts payable, accounts receivable, and/or business travel and expense operations
Compensation
$160,000 - $200,000 + equity
Benefits
We proudly offer the following benefits for our full-time employees:
- Take what you need vacation policy (subject to local requirements; UK employees receive 25 days of statutory leave)
- Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits for you and your family
- Life Insurance and Disability Benefits
- Retirement Plan (e.g., 401K, pension)
- Parental Leave
- Fertility and family building benefits through Carrot
- Daily lunches and snacks in the office to keep you at your best
These benefits are described in more detail in Decagon’s policies, may vary by location, and can change at any time according to applicable compensation and benefits plans.
Compensation Range: $160K - $200K
About Decagon
Decagon is the leading conversational AI platform empowering every brand to deliver concierge customer experiences.
Our technology enables industry-defining enterprises like Avis Budget Group, Block’s Cash App and Square, Chime, Oura Health, and Hunter Douglas to deploy AI agents that power personalized, deeply satisfying interactions across voice, chat, email, SMS, and every other channel.
We’re building a future where customer experiences are being redefined from support tickets and hold music to faster resolutions, richer conversations, and deeper relationships. We’re proud to be backed by world-class investors who share that vision, including a16z, Accel, Bain Capital Ventures, Coatue, and Index Ventures, along with many others.
We’re an in-office company, driven by a shared commitment to excellence and velocity. Our values — Just Get It Done, Invent What Customers Want, Winner’s Mindset, and The Polymath Principle — shape how we work and grow as a team.
About the Team
The Accounting team at Decagon is at the center of our growth, building the financial foundation that powers a rapidly scaling startup. We ensure accurate, timely financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP while designing scalable processes and strong controls that support expansion across teams and geographies. Partnering closely with Sales, People, Legal, and Operations, we drive thoughtful spend management, contract oversight, and payroll excellence—balancing precision with agility in a fast-moving environment where our work directly enables the company’s next stage of growth.
About the Role
We’re looking for a high-impact Finance Operations & Payroll Manager to build the finance engine that keeps our company scaling. You’ll own payroll, expenses, AP, and AR, transforming these core operations into smooth, scalable systems that support a fast-moving, high-growth team. This is a high-impact individual contributor role responsible for ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll while helping build the processes and controls needed to support a rapidly scaling organization.
In this role, you will
- Own end-to-end global payroll processing for accuracy and compliance, including management of new hires, terminations, bonuses, and other variable compensation
- Perform payroll reconciliations, reporting, and audit support while maintaining strong process documentation and internal controls
- Administer end-to-end business travel and expense operations including corporate card management, expense report review, policy enforcement, and travel vendor relationships ensuring compliance, accurate GL coding, timely reimbursement, and monthly T&E reporting and variance analysis
- Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable, ensuring timely processing, accurate coding, and proper approvals while proactively managing vendor payments, cash application, and aging reports
- Lead month-end close activities across payroll, AP, and AR, including accruals and reconciliations
- Partner cross-functionally with People and Finance to support headcount growth and identify opportunities to improve automation and system efficiency across all owned functions
Your background looks something like this
- 6-8 years of progressive payroll experience, with full ownership of U.S. payroll
- Strong experience managing multi-state U.S. payroll in a high-growth or dynamic environment
- Deep knowledge of payroll compliance, tax regulations, and reporting requirements
- Experience working closely with HR / People and Finance teams
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to independently reconcile and resolve discrepancies
- A proactive, ownership-driven mindset with comfort operating in a fast-moving startup environment
Even better if you have
- Have worked in a hyper growth company
- Some exposure to or familiarity with accounts payable, accounts receivable, and/or business travel and expense operations
Compensation
$160,000 - $200,000 + equity
Benefits
We proudly offer the following benefits for our full-time employees:
- Take what you need vacation policy (subject to local requirements; UK employees receive 25 days of statutory leave)
- Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits for you and your family
- Life Insurance and Disability Benefits
- Retirement Plan (e.g., 401K, pension)
- Parental Leave
- Fertility and family building benefits through Carrot
- Daily lunches and snacks in the office to keep you at your best
These benefits are described in more detail in Decagon’s policies, may vary by location, and can change at any time according to applicable compensation and benefits plans.
Compensation Range: $160K - $200K
See All 6 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
- Arm1
- Decagon1
- Eikon Therapeutics1
- MannKind Corporation1
- Rosendin Electric1
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals1
- Electronics & Hardware1
- Energy1
- Media & Entertainment1
- Science & Research1
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 Arm, Decagon, and Eikon Therapeutics, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 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 Jose, Culver City, and Millbrae 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 33% of payroll manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 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 6 Payroll Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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