Payroll Supervisor

Payroll SupervisorLa Jolla, CA, US Hybrid Vaco $USD 80000 - Direct HireTitle: Payroll SupervisorCompany Industry: Life SciencesCompensation: Up to $105k base salaryLocation: La Jolla, CAPosition OverviewOur 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 practicesMust-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 teamsPreferred 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 plusBy submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions.