Payroll Staff III/IV

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

Job Summary

The Payroll Staff position is responsible for ensuring the payroll systems, processes, and corporate policies are compliant, as well as managing and directing vendors, audits, and process improvements for payroll-related activities. The position implements processes improvements and cost optimization opportunities through data analytics and knowledge of best practices and benchmarking. This role provides cross-functional communication and coordination to solve complex payroll issues with other departments, managers, employees, auditors, and outside agencies. This role may provide training and mentorship to Payroll Specialists.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines 3+ regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, tax laws, and labor laws, including reporting and remittance requirements
• Manages day-to-day activities with payroll vendor, directing resolution for hard-to-solve issues that are escalated
• Maintains primary accountability for off-cycle payments, including issuing stop-payments, reissuing new checks, ensuring that calculations are accurate, and that payments are issued consistent with federal and state regulations
• Oversees responses to internal and external payroll audits, providing necessary documentation and resolving any identified issues
• Implements process improvement and cost optimization by analyzing payroll data and reports to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies
• Maintains current subject matter expert level knowledge of industry best practices and emerging trends in payroll administration, technology, and compliance; implement change to corporate processes to ensure compliance and efficiency
• Develops and document payroll procedures, guidelines, and standard operating processes to ensure consistent and efficient payroll operations
• Trains and mentor payroll staff to ensure they are proficient in payroll procedures
• Serves as a subject matter expert on payroll-related matters, collaborating with peer corporate services departments including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Benefits, Compensation, People Analytics, People Experience, People Management, People Strategy, People Systems, and other related touchpoints at The Aerospace Corporation  
• Ensures confidentiality and security of employee payroll and personal information.
• Serves as key resource to stakeholders for interpreting policies, procedures, and regulations relating to Payroll; draft, refresh, and revise Time policies as needed
• Serves as Communications and Change Management process advisor for Payroll processes and procedures; provides continuous process improvement on policies and practices
• Supports quarterly and annual fiscal-year end planning for Payroll reporting, tax compliance, and in support of state and federal regulations including the year-end W2 process
• Serves as Payroll implementation subject matter expert on new compensation and benefit plans (deductions & wages); partners with Compensation and Benefits teams on interpretation and implementation
• Directs maintenance of payroll systems and software, ensuring that configuration, testing, troubleshooting, and enhancements to ensure that systems are implemented are compliant, efficient, and consistent with corporate policy
• Ensures accuracy of staff performing complex payroll calculations, including variable pay components, retroactive adjustments, and special payments
• Manages resolution of escalated payroll inquiries and issues from employees or other stakeholders in a timely and professional manner
• Serves as systems integration and management of Payroll Systems point of contact for IT organization

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Payroll Staff III:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Six or more years of relevant Payroll experience
• Proven experience in payroll administration, including complex calculations and analysis
• In-depth knowledge of payroll regulations, tax laws, and labor laws, with experience in compliance
• Experience with Social Security Administration (SSA), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and multiple state and local taxation rules
• Proficiency in using advanced payroll software, HRIS systems, and data analysis tools
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret and manipulate large sets of payroll data
• Experience interacting with internal and external auditors

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Payroll Staff IV include:

• Ten or more years of relevant Payroll experience

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting business, finance, or related field
• Professional certification in payroll administration (e.g., Certified Payroll Professional, Fundamental Payroll Certification)
• Experience with SAP
• Experience with Workday
• Experience with ADP

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. 

(Min - Max)

$75,300 - $126,900

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.