Job Description

Payroll Director

Location: South San Francisco, CA

Schedule: Full-Time – Exempt, Hybrid

Department: Headquarters

Reports to: Chief Human Resources Officer

Pay Range: $125,000.00-$135,000.00/annually

Overview

Aspiranet, a leading California-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting children, youth, and families, is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Payroll Director to join our team. If you thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and have a passion for providing excellent operational support while collaborating and working with the HQ team, we’d love to hear from you.

About Aspiranet

Aspiranet is a mission-driven social services agency with a proud legacy of supporting California communities since 1975. We are committed to ensuring that every child is loved, every family is supported, and every individual has the tools to succeed. Our services span the state and are delivered through six dedicated divisions: Foster Care and Adoption; Transitional Aged Youth (TAY); Residential; Intensive Home-Based Services; Behavioral Health; and Family and Community. At Aspiranet, every role contributes to something greater—helping to create a future where opportunity, hope, and healing are within everyone’s reach.

Position Summary

The Payroll Director reports to the Chief Human Resources Officer and leads a team responsible for processing semi-monthly payroll for 1,000 employees in a complex, highly regulated environment. This role ensures efficient payroll operations, tax reporting, auditing, and system management, while collaborating closely with finance, HR, and leadership to maintain full compliance. The ideal candidate has advanced knowledge of California and multi-state payroll regulations, is a Certified Payroll Specialist, experienced in system implementations, and excels in high-volume, continuous improvement settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll Operations and Compliance
  • Oversee the accuracy and compliance of payroll functions in a complex, grant-funded environment.
  • Ensure full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment and tax laws and regulations.
  • Provide final approval on all payroll submissions and deliverables.
  • Serve as a backup for payroll processing as needed.
  • Perform additional job-related duties as assigned.
• Audit and Risk Management
  • Lead audits related to fiscal operations, 403(b) plans, government compliance, workers’ compensation, compensation, benefits, and wage and hour regulations.
  • Conduct regular internal audits of payroll processes, tax filings, rates, accruals, and related areas to ensure accuracy and ongoing compliance.
• Process Improvement and Documentation
  • Develop, document, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all payroll functions.
  • Identify and implement improvements to payroll systems and processes to enhance efficiency and compliance.
• Team Leadership and Collaboration
  • Supervise, mentor, and develop payroll team members to support professional growth and high performance.
  • Build and maintain consultative relationships with agency leaders and staff across departments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field. Certified Payroll Professional highly preferred.
• Minimum of five years of related work experience in an audit-heavy, high-volume environment.
• Advanced knowledge and application of California wage and hour requirements that affect payroll processing.
• Proficient with Microsoft Suite and enterprise level timekeeping and payroll systems; UKG experience a plus.
• Prior experience with system implementations highly preferred.
• Excellent communication skills to coach and train others on best practices.

Work Environment & Schedule

• This role will serve as a Monday – Friday standard 8:00 am – 5 pm business hours.

Why Aspiranet?

• Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits package, and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching.
• Access to the Aspiranet Employee Perks Program with exclusive discounts on entertainment, travel, wellness, pet care, gym memberships, theme parks, and more.
• Flexible Hybrid Schedule – mix of remote and in-office work.
• Flexible paid time off including 11 paid holidays, 10 vacation days, 10 sick leave days, two diversity days, and paid birthday time off.
• Access to our employee assistance program including 24/7 crisis line; up to 6 counseling sessions per issue.
• Training opportunities to support ongoing development and career aspirations.
• Collaborative, inclusive, mission-aligned culture.
• Opportunity to lead meaningful initiatives that support employee wellbeing.

Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. This position typically operates in a standard office environment with a generally quiet noise level.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Aspiranet is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We strive to provide a workplace that is welcoming, inclusive of differing world views, cultures, and lived experiences.

How to Apply

Apply today through our career portal:

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