We're supporting a well-established CPA firm in the East Valley seeking a Payroll Manager to lead a multi-client payroll function. This is a hands-on leadership role overseeing payroll operations, supporting a team, and ensuring accuracy, compliance, and strong client service.
This opportunity is open due to a long-tenured Payroll Manager transitioning out, and the firm is looking for someone who can step in, bring stability, and lead with both technical strength and a team-oriented approach.
Location: East Valley (onsite)
Schedule: Full-time, standard hours with seasonal peaks
Type: Direct hire
Compensation: In line with market; being finalized based on experience
The firm offers a strong culture, long-tenured team, and a work-life balance that is genuinely respected outside of peak payroll cycles.
If this aligns with your background, please apply and I'll follow up with next steps.
Job Title: Payroll Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Location: East Valley (Onsite)
Compensation: Competitive, based on experience (final range pending)
This Payroll Manager role leads payroll operations within a well-established CPA firm supporting a diverse client base. The position oversees a small payroll team while remaining hands-on with payroll processing, client support, and compliance. It is ideal for someone who enjoys ownership, consistency, and working in a stable, well-structured environment.
* Backfill of a long-tenured Payroll Manager
* Team growth and increased client demand
* Opportunity to step into a stable leadership position with strong support
* Oversee payroll processing for multiple clients and entities
* Lead, coach, and support payroll staff
* Ensure accurate and timely payroll execution across payroll cycles
* Review payroll data including earnings, deductions, and tax setup
* Support payroll tax filings, reconciliations, and compliance
* Manage W-2 processing and year-end payroll activities
* Respond to client payroll questions and provide high-level service
* Identify process improvements and support operational efficiency
* Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations
* 5+ years of payroll experience, including leadership or team oversight
* Experience supporting multi-client or multi-entity payroll environments
* Strong understanding of payroll processing, compliance, and reporting
* Familiarity with payroll systems (ADP, QuickBooks payroll, or similar)
* Strong attention to detail and accuracy
* Ability to manage deadlines and multiple priorities
* Strong communication and client-facing skills
* Experience within a CPA firm or client service environment
* Exposure to payroll tax filings and reconciliations
* Experience working with growing client portfolios
* Established firm with over 20 years in business
* Highly tenured team with strong retention
* Professional, positive, and collaborative environment
* Standard 40-hour workweeks
* Busy periods exist, but off-season workload is lighter and respected
* Strong overall work-life balance
* Team-oriented culture with events and strong internal support
* 401(k) with company match
* Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
* Paid Time Off and holidays
This is a strong opportunity for a Payroll Manager looking for stability, leadership responsibility, and long-term growth within a well-run firm. Best suited for someone who enjoys being hands-on, leading a team, and supporting clients in a structured but collaborative environment.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.