Payroll Manager

PURPOSE OF JOB

The Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing and ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all employees within the organization. This role serves as the subject matter expert in payroll-related matters, acting as a liaison between the finance team, HR, and external partners. The Payroll Manager guarantees compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations while safeguarding employee data integrity and confidentiality. In addition to managing the end-to-end payroll function, the role champions continuous process improvement, drives operational efficiency, and supports broader accounting initiatives as a vital member of the finance team.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

• Own the strategic direction of payroll operations, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, compliance standards, and evolving regulatory requirements.
• Lead and execute the end-to-end payroll function for the organization, ensuring accurate and timely payments of multi-state and international payrolls across multiple payroll cycles.
• Prepare, review, and reconcile payroll-related journal entries and balance sheet accounts, including payroll liabilities, benefits, and tax withholdings; ensure integrity of financial reporting in collaboration with Accounting and FP&A teams.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on federal, state, and local payroll legislation, proactively identifying and mitigating compliance risks across all jurisdictions. Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws and best practices.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of payroll trends, variances, and cost drivers; present insights and recommendations to senior leadership to inform business and budget decisions.
• Lead the evaluation and continuous improvement of payroll systems, tools, and processes to enhance operational efficiency, scalability, and data accuracy.
• Ensure proper accounting coding for payroll transactions and drive best practices in payroll documentation and procedures.
• Act as the primary liaison between Payroll, HR, Finance, Legal, and external vendors to resolve payroll-related discrepancies and inquiries and drive collaborative solutions.
• Prepare supporting documentation for internal and external reporting, audits, and regulatory filings.
• Develop and maintain strong internal controls over payroll processes and safeguard sensitive employee payroll information.
• Drive the successful implementation of new payroll technologies, systems integrations, and process automation initiatives, managing change and training efforts across stakeholders as needed.
• Deliver high-quality service to employees and business partners by providing timely payroll insights and resolving issues efficiently.
• Lead and support audit preparation, including quarterly and annual compliance audits, government filings, and regulatory submissions related to payroll and employee compensation.
• Carry out all duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Company in accordance with Company policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations governing our business practices.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Possess a solid foundation in accounting principles and practices
• 7+ years of experience in accounting, payroll administration, or a closely related discipline.
• Execute month-end general ledger (GL) close activities, including journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Responding to audit requests and regulatory inquiries related to payroll.
• Implementing payroll policies, systems, and procedures to align with organizational changes.
• Safeguarding sensitive employee payroll information and maintaining strong internal controls.
• Reporting and analysis of payroll-related liabilities and assets.
• Strong working knowledge of UKG Pro for payroll processing, reporting, compliance, and troubleshooting.
• Expertise with Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Excel for payroll calculations, reporting, and analysis; Word for documentation; PowerPoint for presentations; and Teams for collaboration.
• Interpreting payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Investigating and resolving payroll discrepancies and errors.
• Analyzing payroll processes to identify areas for improvement and implement best practices.
• Supporting implementation of new payroll policies and adapting to ongoing changes.
• Delivering high-quality service to employees and business partners through timely and accurate payroll insights.
• Resolving employee and management inquiries with professionalism and discretion.
• Building relationships across the organization and acting as a trusted advisor on payroll matters.
• Participating in cross-functional teams for HR, finance, and compliance initiatives.
• Ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local payroll laws.
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of statutory reporting obligations, such as tax filings and wage statements.
• Responding to regulatory inquiries and participating in audits with confidence.
• Execute, follow up, and deliver results under tight deadlines without sacrificing accuracy.
• Demonstrate meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of payroll processing.
• Demonstrated ability to safeguard sensitive payroll data and maintain internal controls.
• Excellent verbal and written communication necessary

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimal travel may be expected (<10%)

* Please note, we do not provide sponsorship at this time.