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