Payroll Manager

WORLDPAC is looking for a hands-on Payroll Manager who owns the function, not just oversees it. This role leads full‑cycle payroll operations for a complex, multi‑jurisdiction employee population and is accountable for accuracy, compliance, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across the entire payroll lifecycle. You’ll inherit a small team and be expected to develop them, while remaining deeply embedded in the day‑to‑day work yourself. This is a player‑coach role for someone who is equally comfortable configuring Workday and presenting compliance metrics to senior leadership. If you’re the type who catches issues before payroll runs, builds processes without being asked, and exercises sound judgment in independently resolving issues while appropriately escalating material risks, compliance concerns, and business impacts, we want to hear from you. What You'll Own Payroll Operations Execute and oversee accurate and timely processing of bi‑weekly payroll for ~5,000 employees across the US (multi‑state), Canada (multi‑province), and Puerto Rico Manage payroll tax filing and garnishment administration through ADP, ensuring accurate data flow and reconciliation between Workday, ADP, funding, and W‑2 or equivalent documents Oversee time and attendance data integrity, ensuring accurate integration between Workday Time and payroll processing of pay calculations, time‑off accruals and balances, Holidays, retroactive corrections, etc. Establish and maintain comprehensive payroll operating procedures, SOPs, and compliance controls to ensure consistency, continuity, and operational resiliency Maintain payroll records and ensure the security and confidentiality of all payroll systems and documentation Workday Administration Serve as the primary Workday Payroll subject matter expert, configuring and confirming pay groups, earnings and deduction codes, tax withholding rules, and business process steps independently Partner with HR Systems on Workday enhancements, while owning payroll‑specific configuration and testing for routine changes Identify and implement system and process improvements to reduce errors, increase efficiency, and scale with organizational growth Compliance & Controls Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations across all active jurisdictions, including multi‑state wage and hour laws, Canada provincial requirements (ROEs, T4s, Worker’s Compensation), and Puerto Rico‑specific payroll obligations Design, implement, and maintain payroll controls and audit processes that proactively identify discrepancies before they become issues Establish and maintain robust reconciliation processes and control frameworks to ensure payroll accuracy, audit readiness, and regulatory compliance Manage payroll tax filings, registrations, and reconciliations; respond to agency inquiries and audits independently Partner with internal and external auditors and support SOX control documentation and testing where applicable Stay current on regulatory changes affecting payroll across all jurisdictions and proactively communicate impacts to HR and Finance leadership Conduct root cause analysis of payroll discrepancies, compliance findings, and operational failures, implementing corrective and preventive actions to mitigate future risk Directly manage and develop a team of 2 payroll professionals, with expectation to grow the function as the business scales Set clear performance expectations, provide ongoing coaching, and build team capability and cross‑coverage Foster a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement within the team Cross‑Functional Partnership Collaborate with HR, Benefits, Finance, and Tax on payroll policies, procedures, and system changes Provide payroll metrics, dashboards, and ad‑hoc reporting to business partners as needed Serve as the internal expert and point of escalation for all payroll‑related matters Manage relationships with payroll service providers and third‑party vendors, ensuring accountability for service delivery, issue resolution, compliance support, and system integrations Proactively communicate payroll risks, compliance concerns, operational impacts, and recommended solutions to HR, Finance, and executive leadership What You Bring Required 10+ years of progressive payroll experience, with at least 5 years in a people management role Demonstrated Workday Payroll expertise, hands‑on configuration experience required, not end‑user only Multi‑state US and Puerto Rico payroll, as well as Canada payroll experience Equity compensation payroll processing experience (RSUs, ESPPs, or stock options) ADP experience, particularly for tax filing and garnishment administration Strong working knowledge of multi‑state and multi‑jurisdiction payroll compliance Advanced Excel skills and ability to translate payroll data into clear reporting for non‑payroll audiences Demonstrated ability to independently identify, investigate, and resolve complex payroll issues while balancing compliance, operational, and employee experience considerations Experience leading payroll remediation efforts, reconciliations, audit responses, and correction activities in complex, multi‑jurisdiction environments Preferred CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification or willingness to obtain certification within 12 months of hire SOX controls and internal/external audit experience Background in manufacturing, distribution, automotive, or a similarly complex hourly/salaried workforce environment #J-18808-Ljbffr