Who we are

HopSkipDrive’s mission is to create opportunity for all through mobility. Our innovative, supplemental school transportation solutions are used by over 600 school districts, charter schools, nonprofits, government agencies, as well as busy families to safely and reliably get kids where they need to go.

Student transportation is the largest mass transit system in the U.S. The way kids get to and from school has a direct impact on our kids, families, schools and communities. While school districts spend $28 billion annually on transportation, only 30% of kids get to school on a bus. The current system can no longer meet all the transportation needs of our districts, schools and families — and its shortcomings are causing inequities in educational access that are affecting the welfare of millions of kids each day.

HopSkipDrive is taking a different approach to arranging safe, reliable school transportation that meets needs that aren’t being addressed by the current system, helping to fill gaps and supplement the student transportation options available. We create personalized transportation solutions for the one to the many, and everything in between.

We’re a company with heart

Our partnerships with school districts, child welfare agencies and nonprofits ensure equitable educational access for the most vulnerable populations, including youth in foster care, children experiencing homelessness and students with disabilities. 

We understand that the difference between struggle and success can sometimes be as simple as the ability to show up, which is why we’re on a mission to use innovative technology — coupled with operational expertise and new ways of thinking — to help kids reach their full potential by providing a safe, dependable way to get them where they are going.

We’re an awesome place to work

Our company culture has been well-recognized — HopSkipDrive has been named to Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies list, as well as Best Places to Work lists from Built In LA, Comparably, Inc., and the Los Angeles Business Journal. Comparably also named us a Best Company for Professional Development, as well as to its Best CEO and Best CEOs for Women lists.

We’re growing rapidly

Founded by three moms as a solution to their own transportation challenges, we now operate across over 13 states across the country. We continue to expand at a rapid pace, making the Inc. 5000 list four times, as well as the Deloitte 500 Fast-Growing Technology list. HopSkipDrive has raised $100M in funding to date.

Your role:

As the Payroll Manager, you will play a crucial role in managing the payroll process for our 200+ multi-state employees. You will be responsible for ensuring the timely and accurate disbursement of wages, managing payroll-related compliance, and maintaining a high level of data accuracy and confidentiality. This position offers an exciting opportunity for a skilled professional to partner with our Accounting and People function as well as contribute to our future success.

 What you’ll do: 

  • Oversee and manage the end-to-end payroll process, including timekeeping, payroll processing, and distribution for all employees.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations, keeping up-to-date with changes and implementing necessary updates to company policies and procedures.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and best practices to improve efficiency and accuracy.
  • Collaborate with People Ops, Finance, and other departments to gather and validate payroll data, resolve discrepancies, and streamline processes.
  • Process payroll accurately and on time, including taxes, deductions, and benefits, while maintaining confidentiality and security of payroll data.
  • Address payroll-related inquiries and issues from employees, management, and external agencies, providing excellent customer service.
  • Prepare and analyze payroll reports, ensuring data accuracy and making recommendations for process improvements.
  • Monthly Reporting to Departments on key metrics, absences, OT, and other premium pay. 
  • Assist with GL interface to ensure automatic reporting and reconciliation for the accounting team.
  • Set up new State accounts if needed, ensuring all taxing and IDs are collected. 
  • Stay informed about industry trends and emerging payroll technologies to drive innovation within the payroll function.
  • Process necessary previous quarter adjustments
  • Monthly, quarterly, and annual tax filings via ADP

** This role can be fully remote in one of the following states AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, IL, IN, KS, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI** If the candidate is in the Los Angeles/Orange County one day a week in our Los Angeles, Little Tokyo office will be required. 

What you’ll bring 

  • Expert Proficiency in ADP Workforce Now
  • 5-7 years payroll experience 
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
  • Efficiently manage payroll processes for a mid-large employee base, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
  • Familiarity with California and New York payroll regulations, including mealtime premiums and overtime rules
  • Ability to integrate data from various time and attendance systems into ADP Workforce Now
  • High proficiency in Excel for data manipulation and report creation
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to think quickly in a fast-paced environment
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
  • Proven experience as a Payroll Manager or a similar role, preferably in a multi-state, high-volume environment
  • Strong knowledge of federal and state payroll laws, regulations, and compliance requirements
  • Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to maintain confidentiality
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with various stakeholders
  • Problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities and requirements
  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or similar certification is a plus

We want you to be an owner in our company and share in executing our vision, so every full-time employee has equity. In addition, we offer competitive market comp, flexible vacation, FSA, medical, dental and vision, 401(k), and an opportunity to work for a uniquely positioned, VC-backed company in a hugely attractive space with significant upside potential. HopSkipDrive is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $80,000 to $100,000. Final compensation for this role will be determined by several factors such as a candidate’s relevant work experience, skill set and specific work location. The total compensation package for this role also includes equity stock options


Equal Opportunity Employer

HopSkipDrive is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected class. HopSkipDrive is also proud to operate as a drug-free workplace.

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