Payroll Manager
Location: San Diego, CA (Hybrid â 2 days onsite / 3 days remote)
Reports to: [Finance / CFO / Controller]
About the Opportunity
We are seeking a highly analytical and detail-oriented Payroll Manager to oversee and optimize payroll operations within a fast-paced, high-growth environment. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in complex compensation structures, particularly commission-based employees like Solar Sales Consultants, and enjoys working cross-functionally to ensure accuracy, compliance, and scalability.
The Payroll Manager will lead payroll execution while partnering closely with Finance, Operations, and Sales leadership to ensure all compensation plans are administered accurately and efficiently.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Operations
- Own end-to-end payroll processing for a the California workforce, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance
- Manage and review payroll for both salaried and commission-based employees (approx. 350)
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws
Commission & Compensation Management
- Interpret and administer complex commission plans across sales teams
- Partner with Sales and Finance to validate commission calculations and resolve discrepancies
- Continuously improve commission tracking, reporting, and payout accuracy
Team Leadership
- Oversee and mentor a small team, including a Payroll Assistant and Data Analyst
- Delegate and review work to ensure accuracy and efficiency across payroll processes
Data, Reporting & Systems
- Utilize advanced Excel skills to manage payroll data, commission models, and reporting
- Analyze payroll data to identify trends, discrepancies, and opportunities for process improvement
- Partner with internal stakeholders to improve payroll systems and workflows
Compliance & Labor Relations
- Ensure adherence to all payroll-related compliance requirements
- Represent the company in labor board matters, including hearings and audits as needed
- Maintain proper documentation and audit readiness at all times
Process Improvement
- Identify inefficiencies and implement scalable payroll processes
- Support automation initiatives and system enhancements to improve accuracy and efficiency
Requirements
Qualifications
- 5+ years of payroll experience, with at least 2+ years in a leadership or management capacity
- Strong experience managing commission-based payroll structures
- Advanced proficiency in Excel (modeling, data analysis, reconciliation)
- Experience managing or mentoring junior team members
- Strong knowledge of California state payroll compliance and labor laws
- Experience working with payroll systems (e.g., ADP, Paycom, Workday, or similar)
- Ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
Preferred Experience
- Background in solar, construction, or other commission-heavy industries
- Experience supporting or attending labor board hearings or audits
- Experience working closely with Sales organizations
What Success Looks Like
- Accurate, on-time payroll processing across all employee groups
- Seamless administration of complex commission structures
- Strong internal partnerships with Sales, Finance, and Operations
- Improved payroll processes, reporting, and system efficiency
Work Environment
- Hybrid schedule: 2 days per week in the San Diego office, 3 days remote
- Collaborative, high-growth environment with a strong focus on execution and accountability
Benefits
$90K-$125K base
Full Benefits
