Sr. Payroll Manager

Location: Phoenix, AZ Work Arrangement: Hybrid / Primarily Onsite Relocation: Full relocation package available Position Overview Senior Manager, Payroll Operations Location: Phoenix, AZ Work Arrangement: Hybrid / Primarily Onsite Relocation: Full relocation package available Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Senior Manager, Payroll Operations to lead enterprise payroll operations for a complex, multi-state organization supporting 20,000+ employees. This strategic leadership role oversees payroll operations, Workday Payroll and Time & Attendance, compliance, audit controls, configuration testing, and large-scale payroll initiatives. The Senior Manager will lead a team of payroll professionals and managers, drive operational excellence, and partner closely with HR, HRIS, Total Rewards, Finance, and executive leadership to ensure accurate, compliant, and efficient payroll processing. This position requires strong Workday expertise, enterprise payroll leadership, and the ability to manage complex payroll operations, including annual bonus and equity-related processing. Key Responsibilities Lead enterprise payroll operations supporting 20,000+ employees across multiple states, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing. Oversee Workday Payroll and Time & Attendance operations, including configuration updates, enhancement initiatives, testing, and system implementation impacts. Manage payroll compliance, audit readiness, SOX controls, balance sheet reconciliations, and operational risk mitigation. Oversee complex payroll initiatives, including annual bonus processing, equity/stock payroll processing, and enterprise-wide payroll enhancements. Partner with HRIS, Total Rewards, Finance, and other business leaders to evaluate Workday configuration changes and downstream payroll impacts. Drive process improvements, workflow automation, reporting enhancements, and operational efficiencies across payroll functions. Provide strategic leadership, mentorship, and development for payroll managers and broader payroll operations teams. Ensure compliance with federal and state payroll regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable accounting and control requirements. Oversee payroll accounting activities, reconciliations, banking operations, third-party payments, and payroll-related reporting. Support payroll projects, system enhancements, acquisitions, and testing initiatives to ensure operational continuity and accuracy. Team Leadership & Structure The Senior Manager will oversee a 21-person payroll organization with four direct reports. This is a true people leadership position, with responsibility for developing managers, leading larger teams, and overseeing enterprise payroll operations. Required Qualifications 7-10+ years of progressive payroll leadership experience within large, complex enterprise organizations. Experience managing payroll operations for 20,000+ employees across multiple states. Strong expertise in Workday Payroll and Time & Attendance modules. Experience with Workday configuration testing, system enhancements, payroll integrations, and downstream impacts. Deep understanding of payroll operations, compliance, audit controls, SOX requirements, and payroll accounting. Proven experience leading managers and larger payroll teams, preferably within distributed or remote team environments. Experience overseeing complex payroll initiatives, including annual bonus processing and equity/stock payroll activities. Strong knowledge of payroll compliance, multi-state regulations, and operational controls. Strong analytical skills and advanced Excel capabilities. Ability and willingness to work primarily onsite in Phoenix, Arizona. Preferred Qualifications Alteryx experience, particularly workflow automation, analytics, and payroll reporting. Oracle experience. Experience supporting both union and non-union payroll environments. Experience with annual incentive compensation, bonus processing, and equity/stock payroll. Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP). Benefits TalentBridge employees are eligible for many benefit offerings such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short term disability, 401(k) and holiday pay! #J-18808-Ljbffr TalentBridge