Payroll Operations Accountant, Team Leader

Payroll Operations Accountant, Team Leader

Mid‑Senior Level | Full‑time
Finance & Accounting | Livermore, CA | 12/10/2025
Reference #: REF
7765P
Job Code: C02.5 Accountant 5
Organization: Chief Financial Officer
Position Type: Career Indefinite
Security Clearance: Anticipated DOE Q clearance (requires U.S. citizenship and a federal background investigation)
Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)
Medical Exam: Not applicable Apply Now

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$112,512 - $196,752 Annual (C02.5)

This is the lowest to highest salary range in good faith we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

This position may offer a hybrid schedule, which includes the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week, after a probationary period. The specifics of the hybrid schedule, including the exact number of days required in the office and virtual work options may vary based on the needs of the team and the organization.

We have an opening for a Payroll, Accountant 5 Team Leader position to work in a dynamic and fast paced environment. You will be responsible for managing the Payroll Operations Team including directing payroll activities, management and preparation, analysis, maintenance, reconciliation, and review of this complex institutional payroll and accounting function. This position is in the Payroll Division of the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) Organization.

You will

• Provide strategic leadership and subject‑matter expertise for Payroll Operations, ensuring compliance with Contract 44, Cost Accounting standards (CAS), Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), DOE/NNSA, and all regulatory requirements.
• Lead, supervise, and develop a team of exempt and non‑exempt staff; establish goals, provide direction, and manage hiring, training, and performance.
• Direct end‑to‑end payroll operations, including performance reporting, internal controls, audit activities, and business process oversight.
• Lead development, interpretation, and implementation of institutional policies and procedures for payroll and time reporting.
• Serve as a key decision maker on payroll systems, processes, and financial practices; set standards for time reporting and payment functions.
• Identify, lead, and complete long‑term, complex projects requiring innovative solutions and cross‑organizational coordination.
• Develop and implement solutions to highly complex payroll issues impacting Laboratory‑wide practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q‑level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or related field, or equivalent education and extensive payroll experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of payroll/accounting principles, regulations, and systems (e.g., People Soft, Oracle).
• Experience in large, complex organizations (9,000+ employees; >$3B annual revenue).
• Extensive experience defining system requirements, performing testing, resolving complex issues, and meeting urgent deadlines.
• Significant leadership experience, managing diverse teams and driving organizational goals.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence, negotiate, and build consensus across HR, IT, Benefits, Finance, and…