Payroll Manager

WHO WE ARE

The Wing Group is a global leader in engineered solutions for demanding environments, bringing together a portfolio of trusted brands including Wing Inflatables, Mustang Survival, Henshaw Inflatables, Patten Company, and FabTek Industries. Across defense, marine safety, law enforcement, and industrial sectors, we design and manufacture mission-critical inflatable, flotation, and survival solutions that professionals trust to perform when it matters most.

From combat-ready rigid inflatable boats and inflatable structures to life-saving flotation devices and marine apparel, our products are engineered and tested to exceed the highest standards of safety, durability, and performance. With U.S. and Canadian-based manufacturing and a collaborative, hands-on culture, The Wing Group delivers purpose-built solutions for the world’s toughest environments. Join us in advancing safety, performance, and innovation—on the water and beyond.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for a Payroll Manager to lead and manage all payroll functions for our U.S. operations, with a strong emphasis on California compliance and the flexibility to support additional states. This role plays a critical part in ensuring timely, accurate payroll processing and maintaining compliance with all federal, state, and (as we grow) we would be happy to have the right candidate learn international regulations especially for Canada.  Currently, this position will not have direct reports, but will need to be able to enforce payroll policies with front-line supervisors and managers.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented and experienced in managing complex payroll systems, tax deductions, and employee benefits earnings and deductions. You will help shape and implement payroll policies and best practices, oversee internal audits, and ensure we meet all labor law requirements. As we expand, this role will grow into our international payroll strategy.

You’ll collaborate closely with HR and Finance teams, support employees with payroll-related inquiries, and work to continuously improve payroll processes and systems across the organization.

WHAT WE OFFER

We estimate the salary range for this position to be between $80,000 and $95,000 annually depending on the experience level of the candidate. Additionally, we offer health and dental benefits, 401K with employer matching, and industry perks. The final agreed upon salary may vary based on factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

RESPONSIBILITY

• Oversee full cycle payroll processing for U.S. employees across multiple states (especially California), ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with federal and state labor laws.
• Maintain payroll systems (e.g., HRIS, timekeeping) and ensure data integrity; implement system updates and enhancements; establish payroll calendars
• Ensure compliance with tax and wage laws, including federal, state, and local payroll taxes; prepare quarterly and annual filings (e.g., DE9, 941s) and manage tax deposits, involuntary deductions using our payroll system (levies, garnishments), and benefits trust payments
• Keep current on changing legislation (e.g., FLSA, California wage and hour rules, disability and unemployment taxes) and update payroll policies accordingly; provide guidance to management and employees.
• Administer employee benefits deductions and contributions (medical, dental, vision, life, disability) and coordinate 401(k) plan administration; reconcile benefits and payroll records.
• Process wage garnishments, retroactive pay adjustments, settlements, and pay corrections; manage accruals for vacation and sick leave.
• Maintain confidential payroll and attendance records, ensuring proper record retention; prepare reports and schedules for audits and financial reporting
• Provide payroll guidance and excellent customer service to employees and departments; investigate and resolve discrepancies
• Collaborate with finance for wage reporting and tax remittances; support external audits by providing schedules and documentation

QUALIFICATIONS

• 5–8 years of progressive experience in payroll administration, with at least 2–3 years in a lead or supervisory role to demonstrate a strong ability to understand and effectively communicate issues with supervisors/leads; experience processing California payroll and multi state payroll is required.
• Demonstrated experience with payroll tax reporting.  Benefits administration and 401(k) plan management strongly preferred and willingness to interface with employee questions on these topics.
• Knowledge of Canadian payroll regulations and experience processing Canadian payroll is preferred..
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) from the American Payroll Association is strongly preferred.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment and fluency in Spanish are considered assets, not required.

MEASURES OF SUCCESS

• Maintaining a payroll accuracy rate of over 99% per pay period.
• Completing payroll processing and tax filings on or before all deadlines with no penalties.
• Passing external and internal compliance audits with no significant findings.
• Successfully implementing or upgrading payroll systems within scheduled timelines and budgets.
• Achieving high employee satisfaction with payroll services, measured by reduced payroll-related inquiries or positive feedback on surveys.