Payroll Manager
El Pollo Loco
- Costa Mesa, CA
- $90,000 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Hybrid work schedule (2 days a week in the office or fewer depending on the position)
- Competitive pay and bonus
- Medical + Dental + Vision Insurance
- 401(K) Plan with match and immediate vesting
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Vacation + Sick Pay + 12 Paid Holidays
- Dog friendly office
- Amazing office culture
- Free El Pollo Loco food (Dine Out Card) + Restaurant Discount
- Discounts on theme parks, movie tickets, sports events, hotels and more…
- Supervise and lead the team of payroll professionals, ensuring the accurate payroll reports that are run with standard payroll processing and timely processing of all payrolls for the company.
- Be the subject matter expert on and incorporate leading industry best practices to enhance efficiency and precision in payroll processing, establishing elevated benchmarks for operational excellence.
- Continuously lead optimization efforts around payroll function; collaborate cross-functionally with IT, Finance and Operations around the integration of payroll processes.
- Manage and ensure the documentation and maintenance of payroll policies and procedures.
- Create and manage stringent controls to prevent unauthorized access or alteration of payroll records by implementing proper segregation of duties and restricting access to sensitive data.
- Lead projects to enhance efficiencies within the payroll system, monitor payroll metrics, and assess results to pinpoint opportunities for process improvements.
- Act as a subject matter expert in strategic planning related to new or anticipated areas of technology or operational direction, as well as integrations.
- Work cross functionally in providing information and process support to internal and external audits, including those conducted by government agencies.
- Guarantee adherence to all relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to payroll.
- Manage the payroll relationship with the external payroll provider while maintaining stringent oversight.
- Examine, analyze, and validate payroll reports and documents for accuracy; make necessary adjustments or corrections through journal entries or other established procedures.
- Conduct year-end payroll processing, encompassing the view, balance, and audit of W-2s to ensure accuracy.
- Conduct bi-annual unclaimed property procedures for outstanding employee paychecks.
- Examine and reconcile Quarterly, Annual, and Amended Tax returns for accuracy.
- Accounting or Finance degreed person is highly preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years hands-on payroll experience is required.
- Payroll software skills required.
- Strong PC skills (MS Office Suites).
- Strong knowledge of policies, practices and related regulations.
- Ability to communicate policies and procedures effectively through excellent verbal, written communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion in all aspects of the position.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills with a strong commitment to follow up.
- Must be able to maintain highly confidential information without compromise.
- Schedule must be flexible for long hours as needed.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Attention to details and accuracy.
- Ability to work independently and handle multiple tasks.
- Must be able to meet payroll deadlines.
- Strong focus on customer service.
- Positive attitude in a team environment.
- Adapts well to changing environment.
- Use of computer and telephone.
- Bending, reaching, walking, sitting.
- Communicate effectively with employees and vendors.