Payroll Supervisor

Payroll Supervisor

La Jolla, CA, US Hybrid Vaco $USD 80000 - 105000 Direct Hire

Title: Payroll Supervisor

Company Industry: Life Sciences

Compensation: Up to $105k base salary

Location: La Jolla, CA

Position Overview

Our client, a growing organization within the life sciences and research space, is seeking a Payroll Supervisor to lead payroll operations and oversee a small payroll team. This individual will play a key role in supporting a rapidly scaling employee population and ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing across a complex, multi-state environment.

The ideal candidate is hands-on, adaptable, and experienced managing high-volume payroll operations with strong attention to detail and a collaborative mindset.

Key Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and oversee payroll staff, including workload management, coaching, and performance oversight

Manage end-to-end payroll processing for salaried, hourly, and stipend-based employees

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations across a multi-state workforce

Review payroll data including timekeeping, compensation updates, deductions, and employee changes

Maintain payroll records and ensure integrity within payroll systems

Partner closely with HR, Finance, Benefits, and other cross-functional teams to resolve payroll matters and support employee inquiries

Conduct payroll audits and reconciliations to ensure accuracy and compliance

Prepare payroll reporting and support leadership requests as needed

Oversee payroll and tax compliance related to foreign national employees and non-employees

Administer Glacier, including treaty application tracking, tax residency determinations, and required documentation

Support year-end and periodic tax reporting, including 1042 and 1042-S filings

Assist with payroll process improvements, policy development, and operational best practices

Must-Have Qualifications

Experience processing high-volume payroll in a complex environment, ideally supporting significant organizational growth

Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll compliance, including experience supporting employees across numerous states

Ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced, evolving environment with shifting priorities

Proven ability to maintain accuracy and meet strict payroll deadlines under pressure

Minimum 3 years of recent payroll supervisory experience, including team leadership and performance management

Experience partnering cross-functionally with HR, Finance, Benefits, and related teams

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred

5 years of progressive payroll experience

Experience with payroll systems such as Workday and/or UKG

Advanced Excel and systems proficiency

CPP certification preferred

Experience supporting international or foreign national payroll processes is a plus

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