Payroll Support Manager

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Payroll Support Manager based in the United States. This role offers an opportunity to strengthen payroll operations, improve system performance, and ensure accurate, compliant, and efficient payroll service delivery within a high-volume organization. As Payroll Support Manager, you will oversee complex payroll issue resolution, support technology enhancements, and drive continuous improvements across payroll and timekeeping processes. You will collaborate with HRIS, IT, Finance, Tax, Compliance, and external vendors to maintain data integrity, strengthen internal controls, and address operational challenges. Using advanced reporting and analytics tools, you will identify trends, investigate discrepancies, and translate payroll data into actionable recommendations. You will also support audits, system implementations, automation initiatives, and organizational changes while helping colleagues develop their payroll expertise. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented, technology-driven professional who combines strong analytical skills with collaborative leadership and a commitment to operational excellence. Accountabilities - Payroll Operations and Issue Resolution: Manage complex payroll issues and escalations, ensuring timely, accurate, and effective resolutions. Monitor payroll support tickets and service-level agreements (SLAs), identify recurring problems, and implement sustainable solutions that improve employee satisfaction. - Payroll Systems and Technology: Support payroll system upgrades, enhancements, integrations, testing, and implementations. Partner with HRIS, IT, Finance, and external vendors to troubleshoot technical issues, improve functionality, and maintain accurate payroll and timekeeping data. - Compliance and Internal Controls: Maintain payroll controls, compliance procedures, and audit-ready documentation. Identify regulatory risks, process gaps, and control weaknesses, implementing corrective actions to strengthen accuracy and accountability.

- Audit and Reconciliation Support: Coordinate payroll reporting, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for internal and external audits. Collaborate with Finance, Tax, Compliance, and Internal Audit to meet applicable regulatory and reporting requirements. - Process Improvement and Automation: Identify opportunities to improve payroll accuracy, streamline workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and reduce manual processing. Analyze operational data and processes to uncover inefficiencies and recommend practical improvements. - Project Coordination: Support payroll-related system implementations, acquisitions, integrations, and organizational changes. Develop and maintain standardized procedures, workflows, and process documentation to promote consistency and scalability. - Reporting and Analytics: Use advanced Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and other reporting tools to analyze payroll metrics, investigate discrepancies, monitor performance, and support data-driven decisions. - Performance and Vendor Management: Track service levels, operational performance, and vendor effectiveness. Communicate payroll risks, emerging trends, project updates, and improvement recommendations to leadership. - Team Collaboration and Development: Build strong working relationships across Payroll and Timekeeping. Provide guidance, training, and practical support to colleagues on payroll processes, systems, and best practices. Requirements - Education: A bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field is preferred. - Professional Experience: At least five years of payroll operations experience, preferably in a high-volume, multi-state environment.