What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager, Payroll position at Paul Hastings?
Paul Hastings is a leading international law firm that provides innovative legal solutions to many of the world's top financial institutions and Fortune Global 500 companies. With a strong presence throughout the U.S., Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, we have the global reach and extensive capabilities to provide personalized service wherever our clients’ needs take us. As one of the world’s leading law firms, we seek dynamic individuals who share our commitment to service, innovation, and professional growth.
Job Title
Manager, Payroll
Location
Century City, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco
Regular/Temporary
Regular
Job Description Summary
We have an opening for a Manager, Payroll.
The Manager, Payroll is responsible for overseeing the Firm’s U.S. payroll function, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations across multiple jurisdictions. This role manages payroll staff and provides strategic oversight to support the Firm’s compensation practices while maintaining strict confidentiality and compliance with applicable laws.
Job Description
In this capacity, the Manager, Payroll will:
The salary wage range for Orange County that we expect to pay for this position is a minimum of $125,800 and a maximum of $163,500 annually. The actual pay wage may vary based on experience or other relevant factors.
The salary wage range for San Francisco that we expect to pay for this position is a minimum of $134,500 and a maximum of $174,500 annually. The actual pay wage may vary based on experience or other relevant factors.
The salary wage range for Los Angeles that we expect to pay for this position is a minimum of $125,800 and a maximum of $163,500 annually. The actual pay wage may vary based on experience or other relevant factors.
Employees will be provided with an excellent career opportunity in a collaborative environment, in addition to a generous total compensation package with the opportunity to earn bonuses based on individual contribution and firm profitability.
The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. This role is exempt meaning it is not overtime pay eligible.
Eligible employees can participate in the Firm’s comprehensive benefits program, which include the following:
Paul Hastings is an equal opportunity employer. Pursuant to applicable local law, we will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the relevant fair chance ordinance. With respect to candidates for employment in Massachusetts, it is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. Although Paul Hastings does not use a lie detector test in its typical application process, an employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Job Title
Manager, Payroll
Location
Century City, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco
Regular/Temporary
Regular
Job Description Summary
We have an opening for a Manager, Payroll.
The Manager, Payroll is responsible for overseeing the Firm’s U.S. payroll function, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations across multiple jurisdictions. This role manages payroll staff and provides strategic oversight to support the Firm’s compensation practices while maintaining strict confidentiality and compliance with applicable laws.
Job Description
In this capacity, the Manager, Payroll will:
- Payroll Operations
- Direct and oversee the Firm’s payroll processing across all U.S. offices, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations;
- Oversee complex compensation structures, including bonuses, overtime, and special payments for attorneys and business professionals; and
- Ensure accurate payroll tax filings and compliance with all reporting requirements.
- Leadership & Team Management
- Supervise, mentor, and develop payroll staff to ensure high performance and professional growth; and
- Identify and recommend best practices and updates to payroll processing software, streamline processes, and leverage technology for efficiency and accuracy.
- Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure adherence to wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and firm policies;
- Collaborate with internal and external auditors, responding to inquiries and ensuring audit readiness; and
- Maintain data integrity and security in all payroll systems and processes.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Finance, Talent Management, and Benefits teams to ensure alignment between payroll, compensation, and benefits;
- Provide reporting and analytics to leadership, supporting financial planning and compensation strategy; and
- Serve as a subject matter expert on payroll impacts of policy and regulatory changes.
- Provide reporting and analytics to leadership, supporting financial planning and compensation strategy; and
- Serve as a subject matter expert on payroll impacts of policy and regulatory changes.
- Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, wage & hour laws, and multi-state payroll practices;
- Expert-level proficiency in payroll software (ADP Vantage, Workday);
- Experience with Workday Payroll Integration, Absence, Time Tracking, and reporting, a plus;
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Advanced Excel;
- Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills;
- Strong commitment to confidentiality, accuracy, and client service;
- Strategic thinker with ability to balance detail orientation and big-picture perspective;
- Proven ability to manage and motivate a high-performing team;
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively across functions; and
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field (required);
- CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) designation (required);
- At least 7 years of progressive payroll experience, with at least 3–5 years in a management role; and
- Experience managing payroll in a large, multi-office organization (professional services or law firm environment preferred).
The salary wage range for Orange County that we expect to pay for this position is a minimum of $125,800 and a maximum of $163,500 annually. The actual pay wage may vary based on experience or other relevant factors.
The salary wage range for San Francisco that we expect to pay for this position is a minimum of $134,500 and a maximum of $174,500 annually. The actual pay wage may vary based on experience or other relevant factors.
The salary wage range for Los Angeles that we expect to pay for this position is a minimum of $125,800 and a maximum of $163,500 annually. The actual pay wage may vary based on experience or other relevant factors.
Employees will be provided with an excellent career opportunity in a collaborative environment, in addition to a generous total compensation package with the opportunity to earn bonuses based on individual contribution and firm profitability.
The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. This role is exempt meaning it is not overtime pay eligible.
Eligible employees can participate in the Firm’s comprehensive benefits program, which include the following:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life/AD&D, Long Term Care, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Account
- Healthcare Concierge and Advocacy
- Lifestyle Spending Account
- Voluntary 401(k) Plan and Profit Sharing
- 10 Paid Holidays per year and a generous PTO Program
- Family Support including Paid Parental Leave, Fertility Benefits, Breast Milk Shipping, Back-up Child Care, Elder Care, and Tutoring
- Wellbeing programs (Employee Assistance Program, Relationship Support, Mental Health, Menopause and Midlife Health and Well-Being Events)
- Retirement Plan Consulting
- Anniversary Bonus Program
- Professional Development Programs
- Transportation and Commuter Benefits
- International Travel Insurance
- Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Accident Insurance
- Auto/Home/Pet Insurance
- Prepaid Legal Insurance
- Employee Discounts
- And More!
Paul Hastings is an equal opportunity employer. Pursuant to applicable local law, we will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the relevant fair chance ordinance. With respect to candidates for employment in Massachusetts, it is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. Although Paul Hastings does not use a lie detector test in its typical application process, an employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Salary : $156,500 - $174,500