Payroll Manager

Overview

The salary range for this position is $7,500.00 - $9,100.02 per month depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable. 

The position is open until filled with first review of candidates on September 16, 2025.

WHO WE ARE

Established in 1943, the mission of the SDSU Research Foundation (SDSURF) is to support the research objectives of San Diego State University by helping faculty and staff find, obtain, and administer funding for their research and sponsored programs. SDSU is one of the top public research universities in the nation, furthering discoveries, interventions, and solutions that improve communities and change the world. SDSURF provides the full life cycle of grants services to faculty and staff to further their important work.

WHAT OUR DEPARTMENT DOES

SDSU Research Foundation's Payroll department provides payroll services for 3,800 employees in nearly thirty states. The department payroll services including San Diego State University Research Foundation (SDSURF) central staff employees, agency and project employees, KPBS, Global Campus, and The Campanile.

Responsibilities

YOUR ROLE IN CREATING THE UNIVERSITY’S PRESENT AND FUTURE

The Payroll Manager plays a critical role in the effective operation of the finance department.  By providing invaluable expertise of labor laws, IRS and various state compliance, you are helping to ensure the accuracy of the payroll and reporting, and ensure funding agency and university requirements are met, directly impacting SDSU’s reputation as a leading research institution.

THE WORK YOU WILL DO AND MANAGE

The Payroll Manager will serve as the strategic lead for advancing payroll operations through service enhancements, process optimization, and compliance oversight. This role is pivotal in shaping a high-performing payroll function that aligns with institutional goals and regulatory mandates. In addition to leading strategic initiatives, the Payroll Manager will manage the day-to-day operations of the payroll department, supervising a team of five.  The Payroll Manager ensures the accuracy of the payroll, tax disbursements and reporting, and ensures compliance with other required payroll reporting. The annual federal gross exceeded $100 million in 2024. The Payroll Manager is responsible for adhering to company policies and procedures, internal controls, while providing a high level of customer service. The Payroll Manager is required to have expert knowledge and understanding of all federal and state tax reporting and labor laws, expert knowledge and understanding of a complex ERP system entitle Ellucian Banner and related payroll systems.

Qualifications

THE SKILLS WE NEED

• Thorough knowledge of current financial record-keeping methods as well as payroll related financial record-keeping requirements and reporting.
• Ability to represent the organization with tact and diplomacy at all times.
• Excellent customer service focus and skills, professionalism in dealing with students, individuals, and business customers.
• Ability to review documents for accuracy, completeness, validity, adherence to standards, compute and enter figures accurately.
• Ability to maintain corporate financial records and files; identify, trace, and corrects errors.
• Ability to follow, direct, interpret, explain, and apply written policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to prioritize and direct the department workload and make sound decisions and recommendations.
• Ability to analyze and interpret accounting data and utilize problem solving techniques in finding solutions to complex accounting problems.
• Strong computing skills, including advanced Microsoft Excel.
• Interact effectively with co-workers, including providing staff training and opportunities for professional development.
• Understand and follow posted work rules and procedures.
• Initiative-taking, self-starter, with a high energy level and strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing and with large and small audiences
• Well organized, ability to meet deadlines, detail oriented; possess good judgment and common sense.
• Demonstrate a high level of cross-cultural sensitivity.

Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field and/or equivalent training in payroll or human resources.
• Four years of progressively responsible experience directing a mid-size to large payroll department in a complex environment, including at least two years in a supervisory capacity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional - CPP Certification
• Previous experience with payroll population over 2,000 employees
• Previous experience in higher education, research institutions or large non-profit organizations
• Experience with Ellucian Banner or other comparable ERP system.
• Previous experience developing ad-hoc reports with an enterprise reporting tool.
• Previous experience with system implementation and/or process improvement

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Life and disability insurance plans
• Generous employer contributed 403b retirement plan. We match 200% on the first 5% of contributions, up to 10% maximum employer matching contribution. All contributions are 100% vested.
• Vacation and sick leave accruals
• 14 paid holidays and 1 annual personal holiday
• Hybrid in-office/telework arrangements
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Access to campus amenities, including Love Library, Aztec Lanes bowling alley, SDSU transit center, and a variety of coffee shops and eateries.
• Discounted Aztec Recreation Center gym membership and SDSU events
• Wellness workshops

HOW TO APPLY AND TIPS FOR MAKING IT THROUGH OUR HIRING PROCESS

You must apply through the SDSURF Career Page. Make sure your application is complete.  Including a resume and cover letter is recommended. Respond to supplemental questions thoroughly.

WHAT OUR HIRING PROCESS IS LIKE

We work as fast as we can to make hiring decisions. However, it may take several weeks for all the parties involved to review your application. We keep in touch each step of the way and inform you of the status of your application.

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION:

• The salary range for this position is $7,500 - $9,100.02 depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable. 
• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.