Manager or Senior Manager, Payroll

VP Payroll

Our client, a dynamic financial services firm, is seeking a skilled Payroll Manager to join their Controllers team. This role is based in San Francisco, with in-office work required three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday).

The successful candidate will oversee accurate payroll processing and execute strategic initiatives, working directly with internal and external stakeholders.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a leader who is interested in continually raising the bar of payroll operations and partnering with stakeholders.

Responsibilities :

• Provide exceptional service to clients by bringing payroll operations in-house.
• Collaborate effectively with HR and stakeholders, ensuring strong communication.
• Assume ownership in resolving complex outstanding issues and managing stakeholder relations.
• Improve payroll operations efficiency and accuracy by evaluating the current ADP Workforce Now environment, including pay codes, security permissions, internal controls, tax compliance, and remediation.
• Lead end-to-end payroll processing, implement compliant controls, and maintain the payroll system (ADP).
• Develop and maintain payroll controls, identifying areas for improvement.
• Process full cycle bi-weekly and off-cycle payroll for 200+ employees across 16 employers.
• Handle timecards, calculate and track adjustments (e.g., overtime, weighted average rates, attendance).
• Research and resolve employee / client / system issues, requests, and inquiries promptly.
• Prepare and create custom reports from ADP, compiling summaries of earnings, taxes, deductions, leave, disability, and nontaxable wages.
• Manage special pay or deductions, including annual / special bonuses, relocation, reimbursements, and other supplemental wages.
• Approve the calculation of payroll liabilities, including federal and state income and social security taxes, and employer’s social security, unemployment, and workers compensation payments.
• Balance payroll accounts by resolving discrepancies and maintaining primary control of pay codes.
• Oversee and manage retirement plan audits (401K / PEP), review form 5500, workers compensation audit, and salary testing in conjunction with retirement plans.
• Maintain a high rate of client satisfaction through quality service.
• Communicate changes and impacts to all stakeholders.
• Stay updated on changes impacting payroll processing and compliance with wage and tax laws.
• Respond timely to federal, state, and local tax agencies.
• Prepare ad hoc reports as needed.
• Maintain payroll policies and procedures.
• Ensure payroll operates in compliance with federal, state, and local legal requirements.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with internal teams and clients.
• Promote and ensure respect for client privacy and confidentiality in all matters.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Qualifications :

• Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of relevant payroll experience, with at least 5 years of experience managing staff (family office, wealth management industry experience preferred).
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.
• ADP Workforce Now experience preferred.
• Customer service mindset and professional demeanor.
• Ability to multitask, work autonomously, and take full ownership of the area.
• Confidently work with payroll stakeholders (HR & Benefits, Compensation, Operations, Accounting, AP).
• Ability to exercise a high degree of independent thinking and decision-making.
• Proven leader who is thoughtful, collaborative, and purposeful while working in a demanding environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with all levels of employees.
• Accurate and compliant pay is critical for maintaining trust and professional reputation with stakeholders.

Compensation :

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs.

With that said, as required by local law, Vaco believes that the following salary range reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure : $150K - $170K per year.

Vaco values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

EEO Notice

Vaco is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.

Vaco LLC and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco LLC and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.

If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and / or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [email protected] .

Vaco also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal .

By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity.

You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications.

You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application.

In exchange, Vaco agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.

Privacy Notice

Vaco LLC and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ( we, our, or Vaco ) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.

• California residents may access Vaco’s HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here .
• Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here .
• Residents of all other states may access our policies here .
• Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here .
• Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here .

Pay Transparency Notice

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to :

• the individual’s skill sets, experience and training;
• licensure and certification requirements;
• office location and other geographic considerations;
• other business and organizational needs.

With that said, as required by local law, Vaco believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure.

The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.