Payroll Operations Accountant, Team Leader

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.

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.

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., PeopleSoft, 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 other stakeholders.
• Expert ability to interpret and apply DOE/NNSA, UC, and Laboratory financial policies and procedures.
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to address highly complex issues with high consequence of error.
•  Ability to manage multiple complex projects and priorities.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous experience leading a Payroll team.
• Experience with LLNL financial, accounting, payroll, and timekeeping systems.
• Experience with LLNL, DOE/NNSA, and UC policies and procedures.

Pay Range

$165,480 - $202,632 Annually

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. 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. 

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.