Payroll Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Payroll Manager (DAYFORCE REQUIRED)

Position Summary

The Payroll Manager oversees end-to-end payroll operations for a large, multi-state workforce, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing. This role requires extensive experience with enterprise payroll systems and a strong understanding of multi-state payroll regulations, including local tax requirements. The Payroll Manager partners closely with Human Resources, Finance, and external providers to support payroll accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Operations

• Manage full-cycle payroll processing for a multi-state employee population, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
• Administer payroll activities within an enterprise payroll platform, including audits, imports, reporting, troubleshooting, and process validation.
• Ensure accurate withholding and remittance of payroll taxes across multiple jurisdictions, including local and municipal requirements.
• Oversee payroll calendars, off-cycle processing, adjustments, year-end activities, and payroll tax filings.
• Review payroll data for accuracy and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Maintain compliance with applicable wage and hour laws, garnishments, tax requirements, and payroll regulations.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes impacting payroll operations and implement necessary updates.
• Support internal and external payroll audits and ensure strong payroll controls and documentation practices.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to reduce payroll-related risk and improve compliance processes.

Payroll Systems & Reporting

• Serve as a key resource for payroll system functionality, configuration, and optimization.
• Maintain payroll rules, earnings, deductions, and tax configurations within the payroll system.
• Coordinate testing and validation for system updates, enhancements, and process improvements.
• Generate payroll reports, analytics, and reconciliations to support business needs.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead and develop payroll team members, providing coaching, guidance, and performance support.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, Benefits, and Accounting teams to resolve payroll issues and improve processes.
• Communicate payroll policies, procedures, and best practices to leadership and employees as needed.

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve payroll accuracy, efficiency, automation, and internal controls.
• Maintain and update payroll procedures and process documentation.
• Support payroll-related projects, including system implementations, integrations, and organizational growth initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership or supervisory responsibilities.
• Experience processing payroll for large, multi-state employee populations.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations and tax requirements.
• Experience with enterprise payroll systems and payroll reporting tools.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or similar payroll certification.
• Experience supporting payroll audits and compliance reviews.
• Exposure to payroll support in high-growth, multi-location, or complex operational environments.
• Advanced reporting and payroll data analysis experience.

Skills & Competencies

• Multi-state payroll administration
• Payroll compliance and tax knowledge
• Payroll systems management
• Team leadership and development
• Process improvement and documentation
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Cross-functional collaboration and communication

Thomas Edwards Group is an Executive Search Firm specializing in the direct hire and interim placement of Accounting, Finance, HR and IT professionals. We’ve been in business since 1997 and the Dallas Business Journal has ranked us a Top Search Firm in Dallas and one of the “Best Places to Work” multiple times. Thomas Edwards Group also made the Inc. 5000 list in 2016 and our award-winning team of Search Consultants, which rank among the best and most experienced in the area, includes MBAs, CPAs, former Big 4 Professionals, Controllers, IT Search Professionals, Finance/Banking, and Business Professionals.

Company Description

Thomas Edwards Group is an Executive Search Firm specializing in the direct hire and interim placement of Accounting, Finance, HR and IT professionals. We’ve been in business since 1997 and the Dallas Business Journal has ranked us a Top Search Firm in Dallas and one of the “Best Places to Work” multiple times. Thomas Edwards Group also made the Inc. 5000 list in 2016 and our award-winning team of Search Consultants, which rank among the best and most experienced in the area, includes MBAs, CPAs, former Big 4 Professionals, Controllers, IT Search Professionals, Finance/Banking, and Business Professionals.