Payroll Manager (Hybrid)

At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, 60 retail stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. But today we’re working better, smarter and faster than ever—and setting our sights even higher. We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. Most importantly, we continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth.

We are currently seeking a Payroll Manager to join our team. In this role, you will oversee accurate preparation, documentation and distribution of payroll for two U.S.-based EINs, one CN-based EIN, one Asia-based EIN and vendor support for contractors. The position also requires coaching and mentoring a team of three to achieve operational plans and results. Applicants should be able to apply accounting and payroll expertise in challenging situations using critical thinking to solve complex problems. The ideal candidate also demonstrates proficiency in multiple areas relevant to the role including payroll accounting, payroll journal entries, and payroll taxes and law/compliance.

Must be able to commute to Carson, California.

A day on the job looks like this:

• Overseeing accurate preparation, documentation and distribution of payroll for two U.S.-based EINs (weekly and semi-monthly), one CN-based EIN, one Asia-based EIN and vendor support for contractors
• Coaching and mentoring a team of three
• Reconciling and preparing 401(k) match, managing 401(k) compliance changes and audits, and partnering with Benefits and vendors for required filings
• Tracking and reporting payroll vendor contracts and project costs, and partnering with various teams for cost monitoring and contract terms
• Managing projects and testing; partnering with internal and external teams to roll out new initiatives and ensure compliance
• Ensuring tax compliance and reconciliation, including vendor accountability for filings, account setup, error resolution and year-end reporting
• Supporting labor and payroll compliance; partnering with HR teams for policy development, coding and testing
• Assisting with external audit and reporting requests, including 401(k), worker’s compensation, corporate tax and various financial audits
• Providing customer service to various lines of business; offering feedback on best practices and resolving vendor issues
• Partnering with leadership on policy development and procedural changes
• Participating in global company initiatives and confidential projects
• Leading, directing and reviewing the work of team members to accomplish operational plans and results
• Guiding and influencing others internally or externally to adopt new perspectives

Got the skills and experience? Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business or a related field is a plus
• 7+ years of experience in a similar role, including at least 2+ years in a people leader role
• Experience with ADP (Vantage is a plus!)
• Familiarity with a HCM implementation is a plus
• Familiarity with GL software is a plus
• FPC and CPP preferred
• Ability to apply accounting and payroll expertise in challenging situations using critical thinking to solve complex problems
• Proficiency in multiple areas relevant to the role including payroll accounting, payroll journal entries, and payroll taxes and law/compliance
• Strong problem-solving skills with solutions aligned to best-practice payroll procedures
• Brings broad, in-depth expertise and is regarded as a trusted authority in payroll practices and competencies

And here’s our end of the bargain! 

At Lakeshore, we pay local market wages for employees that reside within Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

For this position, new employees joining Lakeshore who live within Los Angeles and Orange Counties are typically brought into the organization at a salary rate between $98,000-$130,000 depending on relevant experience & skillset.

This range is indicative of projected hiring range. The annual base compensation will take into account each candidate's relevant experience, location, and skillset.

• Bonus eligible
• Paid leave for new parents to support work/life balance and family bonding
• Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage—EPO, PPO and HSA
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution (because you will retire someday)
• Flexible benefits—choose what you like, ignore the rest
• On-site preschool for our employees’ children
• On-site employee gym for all levels/fitness needs
• Generous employee discount
• Casual dress…and we really mean it

At Lakeshore, we know our diversity makes us stronger, and when everyone feels included and valued, we all win. We strive to embrace our differences and create an intentionally diverse and inclusive community that is representative of the teachers, families and children we serve.

We know we couldn’t do the extraordinary things we’re doing without the people on our team. Thanks to the passion and enthusiasm of this spectacular group, Lakeshore is more than a great place to work—it’s a great experience to be part of. Day in and day out, we give everything we’ve got to create products that instill a sense of wonder and foster a true love of learning. To help maintain this high bar for success, we’re constantly on the lookout for people to join us. So if you’re a down-to-earth professional who shares our desire for making a difference, we’d love to hear from you. 
 
To learn more about Lakeshore, visit www.lakeshorelearning.com/careers 
 
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
People are selected to become members of the Lakeshore family based on skill, merit and mind-boggling talent—not based on race, color, creed, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, marital status, domestic partnership status, military status, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, alienage, AIDS or AIDS-related complex status, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status as a victim of domestic violence, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If things aren’t equal, we all lose.

To learn about how we collect and use Applicant information, please visit our Employee/Applicant Privacy Policy.

Lakeshore is an E-Verify employer. We use E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

Please see the E-Verify Participation Poster and Know Your Rights Poster in English and Spanish for more information. INDRLL1