Payroll Director
About this role
Multi-Location Automotive Group | Hawthorne
*This position is fully onsite, based out of Pacific Volkswagen Hawthorne
We are seeking an experienced and highly analytical Payroll Director to lead payroll operations for a growing multi-location automotive dealership group. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of payroll administration, compliance, reporting, and payroll process improvement across multiple dealership entities.
The ideal candidate will bring strong California payroll law expertise, experience managing complex compensation structures, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
We are looking for a payroll leader who is proactive, detail-oriented, compliance-focused, and committed to operational excellence.
What You’ll Do
- Oversee weekly and semi-monthly payroll processing for multiple dealership locations
- Ensure accurate processing of commissions, technician flat-rate pay, bonuses, incentives, overtime, garnishments, and deductions
- Serve as the subject matter expert on California payroll compliance and wage and hour laws
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including:
- Meal and rest period premiums
- Overtime and double-time calculations
- Final pay requirements
- Wage statement compliance
- Sick leave requirements
- Partner with HR, Accounting, and dealership leadership to resolve payroll issues and improve processes
- Reconcile payroll transactions and support payroll-related accounting functions
- Manage payroll audits, tax reporting, W-2 processing, and year-end activities
- Identify opportunities for automation, operational efficiencies, and process improvements
- Generate payroll reporting and labor analytics for leadership review
- Lead and support payroll staff while maintaining high standards of accuracy and customer service
What We’re Looking For
- Minimum 7 years of payroll experience, including substantial California payroll experience
- Strong knowledge of California wage and hour laws required
- Multi-state and multi-entity payroll experience preferred
- Automotive dealership payroll experience strongly preferred
- Experience with commission-based and technician compensation structures highly preferred
- Strong understanding of payroll tax regulations and payroll compliance requirements
- Proficiency with ADP Workforce Now
- CDK experience preferred
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills required
- Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and problem-solving abilities
- CPP or FPC certification preferred
Why Join Us
- Opportunity to lead payroll operations for a large, dynamic automotive organization
- Collaborative and supportive leadership environment
Compensation
- The estimated annual salary range for this position is $135,000.00 – $155,000.00.
Please keep in mind that this range may vary depending on skills, experience, job-related knowledge, and location.
- Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
- Short and Long-Term Disability
- Paid Holidays & Paid Time Off
- Paid Life Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Employee Assistance Plan
- Paid Training
Hiring Requirements
- 18 years or older required
- All potential employees must pass pre-employment testing including a background check and drug screen
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