Gelson's Markets · 15 hours ago
Payroll Manager
Santa Fe Springs, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$90K/yr - $110K/yr
7+ years expGelson's Markets is a respected grocery chain in Southern California, and they are seeking a Payroll Manager to lead their Payroll Department. The Payroll Manager will oversee payroll operations, ensuring compliance and timely processing while also administering 401(k) and deferred compensation programs.
MarketingSeafood
Responsibilities
Oversee end-to-end weekly payroll processing for union and non-union employees, including confidential and executive payrolls
Ensure payroll systems and processes remain compliant with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, CBAs, and regulatory requirements
Validate and reconcile payroll taxable wages, accruals, deductions, and general ledger entries
Prepare and submit all required payroll tax filings and deposits, including weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual filings (e.g., 941, 940, FUTA, SUI, EDD, SSA)
Analyze payroll data for fluctuations, trends, and anomalies; investigate and resolve discrepancies proactively
Lead year-end payroll processing, including W-2 preparation, validation, distribution, and government filings
Track and implement statutory changes such as minimum wage adjustments, premium pay rules, tip taxation, and regulatory updates impacting payroll
Ensure accurate processing of union dues, benefit contributions, pension payments, and vacation funds in accordance with CBAs
Maintain and oversee apprentice program hours, wage rates, and weekly processing
Process mass rate changes resulting from collective bargaining agreement renewals
Lead audits related to union benefits, pension plans, and payroll compliance
Administer the company’s 401(k) and deferred compensation plans, including eligibility, contributions, loan processing, distributions, and compliance testing
Submit timely and accurate contribution files to plan recordkeepers
Coordinate annual compliance testing, Form 5500 preparation, and third-party audits
Serve as a key liaison with plan administrators, auditors, and benefits partners
Ensure confidential handling of all retirement plan data and fiduciary documentation
Oversee payroll systems, interfaces, and integrations to ensure accuracy, reliability, and data integrity
Partner with IT and vendors (e.g., UKG) to resolve system issues and implement enhancements
Identify process gaps, control weaknesses, and inefficiencies; design and implement improvements aligned with best practices
Lead payroll-related projects driven by regulatory changes, system upgrades, or organizational initiatives
Ensure strong internal controls and segregation of duties across payroll operations
Provide leadership, guidance, and technical expertise to payroll staff and cross-functional partners
Support HR and Accounting teams with payroll data, reporting, budgeting, and audits
Prepare payroll-related budgets for non-union and salaried personnel
Respond to complex payroll inquiries with professionalism, discretion, and accuracy
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required
Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive payroll experience, including multi-city, union and non-union environments
At least three (3) years in a leadership or senior payroll role
Experience administering 401(k) and deferred compensation plans required
Advanced knowledge of payroll operations, wage and hour laws, tax compliance, ERISA requirements, and union payroll administration
Strong proficiency with payroll and HRIS platforms (e.g., UKG), Excel, and financial reporting tools
Preferred
Retail or grocery industry experience strongly preferred
Benefits
Competitive wages
Generous employee discounts
Exceptional benefit programs and a strong retirement plan
Opportunities for career growth and development
Company
Gelson's Markets
SoCal's premium grocer since 1951. Gelson's operates 27 premium food markets in Southern California.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
John Bagan
Chief Executive Officer
Clare Keegan Bogle
Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
San Diego Union-Tribune
2026-01-08
2025-09-30
Company data provided by crunchbase