Payroll Manager

Position Summary

Momentum Youth Brands is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to own the end-to-end payroll function as a hands-on individual contributor. This role is responsible for accurate, timely, and compliant multi-state payroll processing through our HRIS-integrated payroll platform, including tax filings, benefits deductions, and payroll accounting. The ideal candidate brings deep U.S. multi-state payroll and tax expertise, strong controls discipline, and the ability to partner closely with HR, Benefits, Accounting, and brand/business unit teams to support the company's continued growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and execute end-to-end payroll processing for all U.S. employees (salaried, hourly, and commissioned / bonused) across multiple states, on bi-weekly cycle
• Administer payroll within the HRIS-integrated payroll platform (e.g., Rippling, Workday, UKG, Paylocity); maintain pay codes, earnings/deduction setups, and system configurations
• Process payroll for terminations (including state-specific final pay requirements), off-cycle payments, bonuses, commissions, and retro adjustments
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, including overtime, minimum wage, paid sick leave, and pay transparency requirements
• Manage multi-state payroll tax compliance: state and local withholding setups, unemployment (SUI) registrations, reciprocity agreements, and remote-employee nexus
• Oversee quarterly and annual payroll tax filings (Forms 941, 940, state equivalents) and year-end W-2/W-2c processing; resolve tax agency notices
• Reconcile benefits and 401(k) deductions with HR/Benefits and third-party administrators; ensure timely remittance of deductions and garnishments
• Maintain and enforce internal controls over payroll, including segregation of duties, pre- and post-payroll audits, change approvals, and fraud prevention
• Prepare payroll journal entries, accruals, and balance sheet reconciliations (payroll liabilities, tax, and benefits accounts) to support month-end close
• Partner with HR on data integrity between HRIS and payroll, including compensation changes, PTO accruals, and employee records
• Serve as the escalation point for employee payroll inquiries; respond promptly and confidentially
• Prepare payroll metrics, labor cost analyses, and reports for Finance and senior management
• Support internal and external audits, 401(k) plan audits, and workers' compensation audits
• Identify and lead process improvements and automation opportunities within the payroll and time-and-attendance systems
• Maintain payroll policies, procedures, and process documentation

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field, or equivalent experience
• 6+ years of progressive U.S. payroll experience, including 3+ years owning multi-state payroll end to end
• Strong working knowledge of FLSA, federal/state/local payroll tax regulations, and multi-state withholding and unemployment rules
• Hands-on experience administering payroll in an HRIS-integrated platform (e.g., Rippling, Workday, UKG, Paylocity, ADP Workforce Now)
• Working knowledge of payroll accounting: journal entries, accruals, and liability reconciliations
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, reconciliations)
• High attention to detail, sound judgment, and strict discretion with confidential information
• Ability to work independently, meet fixed deadlines, and communicate clearly with employees, HR, and brand/business unit stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)
• Experience implementing or migrating payroll/HRIS systems
• Experience with time-and-attendance systems and commission/incentive pay calculations
• Prior experience supporting audits and SOX compliance
• Experience in consumer service or a multi-brand environment