Payroll Manager

JOB TITLE: Payroll Manager 

LOCATION: Rancho Bernardo Inn 

DEPARTMENT: Finance/Accounting

REPORTS TO: Director of Finance/Regional Controller 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

ESSENTIAL PURPOSE: The Payroll Manager is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of multi-property payroll, the integrity of all payroll data, and the leadership of the payroll team. This role requires a strategic thinker with deep expertise in payroll regulations, particularly within the state of California, and a proven ability to manage systems, lead training initiatives, and ensure full compliance. The ideal candidate will be a subject matter expert in UKG Ready (or UKG Pro) and act as the primary point of contact for all payroll-related matters.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Payroll Processing & Operations: 

• Lead bi-weekly payroll processing for all properties (Hotels & Golf).
• Transmit payroll after a full audit of all files, including pay previews, adjustments, and manual input.
• Manage and process final paychecks, manual checks, and stale-dated checks in compliance with state regulations, with emphasis on California’s strict final pay requirements.
• Oversee garnishments, direct deposits, wage attachments, and employee deductions.
• Prepare and upload payroll files, calculate payroll previews, and correct timekeeping exceptions.
• Reconcile payroll funding

Compliance, Auditing & Reporting:

• Based on California Labor Law, ensuring all practices regarding overtime, meal and rest periods, reporting pay, and final wages are fully compliant.
• Conduct regular audits of new hires, terms, LOA (Leave of Absence), job codes, and pay rates in UKG to ensure data integrity.
• Prepare and distribute key monthly, quarterly, and year-end reports.
• Manage all aspects of payroll tax reconciliation and external audits.
• Perform balance sheet reconciliations related to payroll accounts.
• Complete month-end closing activities, including Workers Compensation accruals, vacation accruals, and intercompany billing.

Systems Management & Training:

• Act as the UKG System Lead, overseeing system configuration, updates, and troubleshooting.
• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for all payroll processes.
• Conduct comprehensive payroll training for hotel and golf operations managers, new hires, and the payroll team on UKG, Kronos Timekeeping, and company policies.
• Lead new system implementations and integrations, including transitions for new properties (e.g., Golf & Hotel transitions).
• Manage UKG support cases and serve as the primary liaison with the vendor.

Team Leadership & Collaboration:

• Manage, mentor, and develop the payroll team, fostering a culture of accuracy and continuous improvement.
• Partner closely with HR to audit terms and new hires, terminate auto-deductions, and ensure seamless data flow between HRIS and payroll systems (HRSD
• Transfer).
• Collaborate with department heads and the Regional Controller on labor reporting, forecasting, and budget-related payroll inquiries.
• Participate in labor meetings and conduct property visits to ensure labor standards are being met.

UNIVERSAL EXPECTATIONS:

• To follow all policies and procedures of JC Resorts LLC.
• To immediately report all suspicious occurrences and hazardous conditions.
• To maintain the cleanliness of work areas. 
• To practice safe work habits at all times.
• To attend all mandatory meetings as directed.
• To effectively manage conflict and maintain professional relationships and communications.
• To perform other tasks as directed.

QUALIFICATIONS:  

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. 

Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in payroll management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role. Extensive and demonstrable experience with California payroll law and compliance. Hospitality or hotel industry a plus.

Languages: English required; Spanish helpful

Licenses/Certifications: NA

Vehicles/Machinery: California driver’s license and ability to drive a car preferred 

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: Demonstrated knowledge with California payroll law and compliance, Strong skills in auditing, account reconciliation, and month-end closing procedures; detail oriented, organized and efficient; ability to effectively prioritize multiple assignments from different sources; able to work productively with little supervision; proactive; strong project management skills; high quality standards for work product and service; trustworthy and able to maintain confidentiality of sensitive and proprietary information; strong verbal and written communications skills; strong conflict resolution skills; courteous, friendly, and professional manner; proficient in Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Outlook) advance proficiency in Excell (pivot tables, VLOOKUP’s, complex formulas), Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, internet use, and office equipment operation. Proven ability to develop and deliver effective training programs to diverse audiences. Preferred proficiency with UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group), including UKG Ready and Kronos timekeeping. System implementations and transitions and knowledge with intercompany billing and allocations.  

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Works indoors in temperature-controlled, clean, and well-lighted office. Dynamic, fast-paced, particularly during peak business periods, requiring strong organizational skills, adaptability and flexibility to meet payroll deadlines.   

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS: Primarily sedentary work, involving prolonged period of sitting at desk, in meetings using a computer. Frequent use of office equipment such as computers, printers, scanners and telephones.  Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, twist, bend, reach, and stretch. Uses phones and computers throughout shift. Occasionally handles and moves objects weighing up to 20 lbs. over short distances. Uses close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Extensive reading and communication, including with individuals who may be upset and emotional. Must work to deadlines and maintain a flexible schedule. Capacity to work under pressure, particularly during payroll processing cycles, audits, or seasonal changes. 

TRAVEL: This position is expected to travel for work. The frequency of travel may vary, but is expected to include regular travel between resort and golf locations.

REMOTE WORK: This position is not eligible to work remotely. The candidate must be able to work in-person during normal business hours.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT: The relationship between JC Resorts LLC and the employee is for an unspecified term and is considered "at will." This means that the terms and conditions of employment may be changed, with or without cause and with or without notice, including, but not limited to termination, demotion, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, duties and location of work. 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: JC Resorts LLC is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant with a disability, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship. Any requests for reasonable accommodation must be directed to: accessibility@jcresorts.com. 

The expected base wage range for this position is: $90,000 to $100,000.00 annually. This position may be eligible for additional compensation according to the Company’s policies, as they may be amended from time to time.

Salary : $90,000 - $100,000