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

Preferred Qualifications

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE

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 :