Payroll Manager

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for a Payroll Manager to join our team in New Hyde Park, New York for a Long-term Contract assignment. This role will help lead payroll operations for a large, multi-location workforce, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on schedule while meeting regulatory and contractual obligations. The position works closely with payroll leadership, HR, and finance teams to strengthen processes, resolve issues, and support ongoing operational improvements.

Responsibilities:
• Oversee end-to-end payroll activities for approximately 1,700 employees across multiple sites and jurisdictions, partnering with payroll leadership to maintain timely and accurate processing.
• Validate earnings, deductions, benefit withholdings, and tax calculations to ensure payroll results align with company guidelines and applicable union agreements.
• Examine payroll registers, audit outputs, and exception reporting to detect and correct discrepancies before payroll is finalized.
• Provide day-to-day direction to payroll team members by coaching staff, answering questions, and assisting with issue resolution during regular processing cycles.
• Act as the key support resource for the Payroll Director and step in to manage payroll operations when leadership coverage is needed.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax requirements as well as employment-related regulations affecting payroll administration.
• Assist with tax reporting, account reconciliations, periodic filings, and other payroll-related compliance documentation.
• Coordinate with HR to keep employee records current, including hires, separations, leave activity, compensation updates, and benefit deduction changes.
• Contribute to stronger payroll workflows by updating procedures, reinforcing internal controls, supporting system maintenance, and participating in testing or enhancement initiatives.
• Address escalated payroll questions from employees and managers, and prepare payroll-related reporting for finance, HR, and leadership as needed.• Demonstrated experience managing full-cycle payroll from initial inputs through final review and completion.
• Background processing payroll for large employee populations, including environments with more than 500 employees.
• Hands-on knowledge of multi-state payroll practices and related tax considerations.
• Strong understanding of payroll compliance requirements, including wage payments, deductions, taxes, and reporting obligations.
• Experience reviewing payroll audits, registers, and exception reports to confirm accuracy and resolve discrepancies.
• Ability to guide and support payroll staff while working effectively with HR, finance, and operational leaders.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to handle complex payroll inquiries in a timely and thorough manner.