SR PAYROLL TAX MANAGER (HYBRID-CHARLOTTE, NC)

Job Description

Job Description

A family of companies and experiences

As the leading foodservice and support services company, Compass Group USA is known for our great people, great service and our great results. If you’ve been hungry and away from home, chances are you’ve tasted Compass Group’s delicious food and experienced our outstanding service. We have over 284,000 US associates who work in award-winning restaurants, corporate cafes, hospitals, schools, arenas, museums, and more in all 50 states. Our reach is constantly expanding to shape the industry and create new opportunities for innovation. Join the Compass family today!

great people. great services. great results.

Each and every individual plays a key role in the growth and legacy of our company. We know the next big idea can come from anyone. We encourage developing and attracting expertise that differentiates us as a company as we continue to raise the bar.

Job Summary

The Senior Payroll Tax Manager oversees the organization's payroll tax compliance, controls, and governance functions. This role ensures accurate calculation, reporting, and remittance of federal, state, and local payroll taxes while overseeing tax configuration, audit readiness, and cross functional data integrity. The Senior Payroll Tax Manager serves as the subject matter expert on payroll tax regulations and partners closely with Payroll, HR, Finance, Legal, and IT to maintain full compliance and drive continuous improvement across the payroll tax lifecycle.

Job Responsibilities

Payroll Tax Compliance

• Ensure timely and accurate filing of all federal, state, and local payroll tax returns.
• Oversee periodic tax deposits to ensure accuracy and on time remittance.
• Lead quarter end and year end tax processes, including W 2 and W 2C management.
• Monitor changes in tax laws and implement required updates to systems and processes.
• Manage payroll tax setup and configuration within payroll systems.

Controls, Governance & Audit Readiness

• Own payroll tax controls and ensure documentation is accurate and audit ready.
• Lead internal and external payroll tax audits, including data gathering and remediation.
• Perform and oversee pre  and post payroll tax audits to ensure data accuracy.
• Reconcile payroll tax accounts, investigate variances, and resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation to support compliance and audit requirements.

Systems & Process Optimization

• Partner with IT and payroll vendors to ensure accurate tax configuration and regulatory updates.
• Support testing and validation of tax related system changes.
• Identify and implement opportunities to streamline payroll tax processes and improve efficiency.
• Ensure taxability rules, wage types, and system logic are accurate and governed.

Leadership & Cross Functional Collaboration

• Supervise payroll tax accountants, providing coaching, development, and performance management.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, Accounting, Legal, and Benefits on cross functional initiatives.
• Participate in M&A due diligence and integration activities to ensure accurate tax setup and reporting

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field.
• 8+ years of payroll tax experience, including multi state payroll.
• 3+ years of experience managing a team.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations.
• Experience with payroll systems and tax filing platforms (SAP, MasterTax preferred).
• Excellent analytical, problem solving, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPP certification.
• Experience with ADP MasterTax.
• Experience in large, complex, or multi entity organizations.
• Experience with SOX controls, audits, or payroll tax governance.

Key Competencies

• Deep understanding of payroll tax laws and regulatory requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to manage deadlines and high volume workloads.
• Process improvement mindset with a focus on efficiency and risk reduction.
• Strong collaboration and leadership skills.

Apply to Compass Group today!

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. We encourage applicants with a criminal history (and driving history) to apply.

Compass Corporate maintains a drug-free workplace.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Associates at Corporate are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Personal Leave
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

-usa.com/wp- content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_CorpAndFoodbuy.pdf

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details:  

Req ID: 1533524

Compass Corporate 

Margaret Lovette 

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