Payroll Manager
Westwood, CAHybrid
AI Summary
GHJ Search & Staffing is working with a highly respected Los Angeles-based nonprofit educational organization is seeking a Payroll Manager / Accounting Specialist to join its Finance team.
About this role
GHJ Search & Staffing is working with a highly respected Los Angeles-based nonprofit educational organization is seeking a Payroll Manager / Accounting Specialist to join its Finance team. This newly created position offers the opportunity to take ownership of payroll operations as the organization transitions payroll in-house.
Reporting to the Controller and working closely with the CFO and Human Resources team, this role serves as the subject matter expert for all payroll-related functions while also supporting accounting operations, reconciliations, audits, and financial reporting activities.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll professional with a strong accounting foundation who enjoys working cross-functionally and making a meaningful impact within a mission-driven organization.
What You'll Do:
Payroll Leadership
- Manage and oversee the full payroll cycle for approximately 140-150 employees on a semi-monthly basis
- Review and monitor employee timecards, approvals, missed punches, and payroll-related changes
- Ensure payroll accuracy and compliance with federal, California state, and local regulations
- Administer payroll-related deductions, garnishments, benefits, retirement contributions, leave programs, and tax reporting
- Partner closely with Human Resources on new hires, terminations, employee changes, and payroll-related inquiries
- Prepare payroll audits, quarterly reporting, reconciliations, and compliance documentation
- Serve as the primary payroll resource for employees, managers, and leadership
- Prepare payroll-related journal entries and account reconciliations
- Assist with month-end close activities and financial reporting
- Support annual audits and special accounting projects
- Reconcile benefit invoices and retirement plan contributions
- Collaborate with Accounting and HR to strengthen internal controls and improve payroll processes
Accounting & Finance Support
What They're Looking For:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
- 5+ years of accounting experience
- 2+ years of hands-on payroll processing experience
- Strong knowledge of California payroll laws and regulations
- Experience managing payroll compliance, taxes, garnishments, and employee benefits
- Experience preparing payroll journal entries and reconciliations
- Excellent communication and employee service skills
- Strong Excel and HRIS/payroll system experience
- Ability to work independently while collaborating across departments