Payroll Manager

Job Title: Payroll Manager (Contract)

Job Description

The Payroll Manager (contract) serves as a payroll subject matter expert and a key member of the Finance team, supporting the needs of a growing organization. This role leads and supports payroll operations, tax and business processes, and vendor and partner management while delivering exceptional customer service to employees and internal stakeholders. In addition to owning critical payroll activities, the Payroll Manager contributes to broader finance and accounting initiatives, working closely with HR and Accounting in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate end-to-end payroll operations, including handling escalations, approvals, issue resolution, and employee communications.
• Manage selected payroll vendor activities, including regular payroll processing, month-end, quarter-end, and year-end or annual activities.
• Prepare and review payroll data files for each payroll cycle to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Prepare and process leave of absence (LOA) calculations and other wage calculations, including manual adjustments and off-cycle or ad hoc payroll inputs.
• Prepare and process month-end and quarter-end payroll journal entries to support accurate financial reporting.
• Manage payroll-related tax notices, registrations, wage orders, government correspondence, and audit support activities.
• Conduct payroll audits focused on taxes, benefits, and employee changes to ensure compliance and data integrity.
• Assist with vendor and stakeholder management, including preparing requested statistical, financial, and payroll reports, data, and estimates.
• Provide superior customer service to employees and internal stakeholders regarding payroll systems, functions, issues, and questions.
• Troubleshoot payroll system issues and payroll vendor interface files, identifying and resolving discrepancies.
• Partner with Accounting, HR, and Finance on payroll policies, projects, and operational support initiatives.
• Manage year-end and annual payroll audits, reporting requirements, and ad hoc analyses.
• Support additional Finance responsibilities as needed, including data analysis and reporting.
• Balance hands-on payroll processing with audit and approval ownership, acting as a second-level reviewer for payroll accuracy.
• Maintain strict confidentiality, security, and integrity of payroll data at all times.
  
  

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 8 years of payroll experience.
• Strong knowledge of California state tax and wage and hour laws.
• Experience with multi-state payroll; exposure to global payroll is a plus.
• Working knowledge of Ultimate Software/UKG HRIS and/or other payroll software.
• Solid understanding of payroll accounting to ensure accurate general ledger and tax reporting.
• Proven experience in payroll processing, including off-cycle and ad hoc payroll inputs.
• Experience conducting payroll audits related to taxes, benefits, and employee changes.
• Proficiency in leave of absence (LOA) calculations and manual wage adjustments.
• Strong reconciliation and analysis skills for payroll and related financial data.
• Ability to provide superior customer service and support to employees and internal collaborators.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt in a changing, fast-paced environment.
• High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to meet time-sensitive deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, security, and integrity of sensitive payroll information.
• Comfort with a hands-on, “roll up your sleeves” work style with a strong sense of drive and urgency.
  
  

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with UKG is preferred.
• Experience with ADP, Paylocity, or Paycom, particularly with strong audit and reporting capabilities, is highly valued.
• Background in biotech, life sciences, or similar environments is a plus but not required.
• Experience working in a payroll model where the vendor supports file uploads and the internal team owns full validation, auditing, and reporting.
• Ability to serve as a second-level reviewer for payroll audits and approvals.
• Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with Finance, HR, and other stakeholders.
  
  

Work Environment

The role operates within a lean, highly collaborative Finance team that partners closely with HR and other functions. The payroll environment uses a vendor-supported model (such as UKG or similar platforms) where the vendor manages file uploads and the internal team is responsible for full validation, auditing, and reporting. The work setting is fast-paced and dynamic, requiring flexibility, responsiveness, and a hands-on approach. You will work extensively with HRIS and payroll systems, financial reporting tools, and standard office technology while contributing to a culture of partnership, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of South San Francisco, CA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $75.00/hr.

Requirements

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
  
  

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in South San Francisco,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 27, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.