Payroll Manager

Cherry Bekaert Recruiting is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager with deep Workday Payroll expertise to lead the execution, accuracy, and continuous improvement of our weekly payroll operations. This is a hands-on manager role for a payroll leader who thrives in complex environments, brings strong judgment, and is passionate about building and developing a high-performing payroll team.
This role is ideal for someone who is a true payroll expert -someone we can rely on for guidance on all things payroll, who takes ownership of accuracy and compliance, and who partners closely with HR, Finance, and other stakeholders to create an elite, scalable payroll function.



Key Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Execution

• Lead and oversee weekly payroll processing , ensuring accurate and timely payroll calculations
• Manage weekly payroll audits , identifying and resolving discrepancies prior to payroll close
• Process and approve:
  • Payroll adjustments and corrections
  • Retroactive payments
  • Terminations and final pay calculations
  • Out-of-cycle payments
• Ensure payroll compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour regulations
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex payroll issues

Workday Payroll Ownership

• Act as the Payroll subject matter expert (SME) for Workday Payroll
• Partner with HRIS and HR teams on:
  • Payroll configuration and enhancements
  • Testing and validation of system changes
  • Ongoing process improvements
• Ensure data integrity between Workday HCM, Time Tracking, and Payroll

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop the payroll team, establishing best practices and clear accountability
• Build scalable payroll processes that support accuracy, efficiency, and future growth
• Create and maintain documentation, controls, and standard operating procedures
• Foster a culture of precision, ownership, and continuous improvement within the payroll team

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner closely with HR, HRIS, Finance, and Legal on payroll-related initiatives
• Support audits and internal controls related to payroll
• Provide insights and recommendations to leadership on payroll operations and improvements

Qualifications

Required

• Manager-level payroll experience , including direct people leadership
• Manager-level Workday Payroll experience (hands-on, not just exposure)
• Extensive experience with:
  • Weekly payroll processing
  • Payroll audits and reconciliations
  • Adjustments, corrections, and retroactive pay
  • Terminations, final pay, and off-cycle payrolls
• Strong knowledge of U.S. payroll laws and compliance requirements
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing payroll teams

Preferred

• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or equivalent certification
• Experience supporting a fast-paced or growing organization
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and process improvement skills

Why This Role

• High-impact, trusted leadership role within the organization
• Opportunity to shape and elevate payroll processes and team capability
• Hands-on ownership with visibility and influence
• Partner with leaders who value payroll expertise

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