Manager, Payroll

As the leading transit bus manufacturer in the United States, GILLIG buses play a critical role in the environmental and social initiatives in communities across our nation. GILLIG is on the forefront in the transition to zero-emission vehicles and has an unmatched reputation in the industry for quality, reliability, durability, service, and support. From initial design through final assembly, each GILLIG bus is designed and built in Livermore, CA. WHY GILLIG Leader in environmentally friendly mobility solutions including battery electric, hybrid electric, near‑zero CNG and clean diesel transit buses Renowned for its inclusive team/family‑oriented culture Stable, successful, and growing organization – a Bay Area business for over 132 years! Flexible schedules (depending on project needs) Excellent compensation including company paid medical premiums, generous retirement plan and other comprehensive benefits About The Role GILLIG is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead and oversee all payroll operations across the organization. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing while driving operational excellence, process improvements, and payroll system optimization. The Payroll Manager serves as the subject matter expert for payroll compliance, taxation, payroll systems, and reporting. This position partners closely with Human Resources, Finance, HRIS, and external vendors to maintain payroll integrity, support organizational growth, and ensure employees are paid accurately and on time. The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll, UKG Time & Attendance (Kronos), payroll compliance, and payroll operations management, along with demonstrated experience leading payroll teams and cross‑functional initiatives. IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL Manage and oversee end‑to‑end payroll processing for hourly, salaried, and exempt employees across multiple locations and jurisdictions, both union‑represented and non‑union employees Ensure timely and accurate payroll execution in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations Establish and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls Oversee payroll tax compliance, garnishments, deductions, earnings, and benefit‑related payroll transactions Lead payroll audits, reconciliations, tax filings, and year‑end activities including W‑2 processing Lead, mentor, and develop payroll staff while serving as the escalation point for complex payroll issues Serve as the primary payroll system administrator and subject matter expert for SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll Oversee payroll integrations and data accuracy between UKG Time & Attendance (Kronos), HRIS, payroll, and financial systems Develop payroll metrics, dashboards, reporting, and process improvements Collaborate with HR, Finance, Accounting, Tax, HRIS, and external vendors to support payroll operations and compliance Support organizational initiatives, employee programs, and special projects as needed Perform other duties as assigned Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification strongly preferred Minimum 8 years of progressive payroll experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership or management role Extensive experience managing multi‑state payroll operations and payroll compliance Hands‑on experience with SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll Hands‑on experience with UKG Time & Attendance (Kronos) (required) Experience with Wisely paycard and ADP SmartCompliance preferred Advanced Excel proficiency, including pivot tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, complex formulas, reconciliations, and payroll analytics Strong knowledge of payroll accounting principles, payroll taxation, wage and hour laws, and regulatory compliance Demonstrated experience leading payroll audits, implementations, and process improvement initiatives Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills Strong communication skills with the ability to partner effectively across all levels of the organization High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment WORK ENVIRONMENT Ability to lift 25 lbs. Prolonged periods of sitting/standing at a desk and working on a computer Regularly required to sit, stand, and walk and occasionally kneel or squat The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation Must be able to navigate manufacturing environment, comfortable around heavy machinery, tools, etc. Must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment (i.e., safety glasses, bump caps, hearing protection, etc.) No travel required Standard start time: 6:30 am (negotiable) EXPECTED COMPENSATION $75,000–$170,000 annual salary + bonus + premium benefits Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job classification, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. GILLIG is committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace that values and respects the unique talents, experiences, and perspectives of our employees and the people we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law. GILLIG is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr