Payroll Manager

Payroll ManagerThe Payroll Manager is responsible for managing and coordinating procedures and processes concerning all aspects of payroll, the related federal and state regulations, and standard practices regarding payroll administration. The Payroll Manager will sustain and supervise the complete multi-state payroll cycle for more than 12,000 employees as well as manage payroll tax reporting and compliance, and year-end processes. This role is expected to lead a customer service-driven payroll function that prioritizes employees and their pay above all else, ensuring accurate compensation, exceptional customer service, and proactive communication across the organization.Essential FunctionsManages day-to-day payroll operations, including payroll processing, payroll system administration, workflow coordination, and payroll team oversight.Establishes and maintains clear, proactive communication with employees, leaders, HR, and other stakeholders regarding payroll processes, deadlines, issues, and resolutions, ensuring a high level of trust and customer service.Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, tax requirements, garnishments, fringe benefits, and other payroll liabilities while maintaining strong internal controls.Oversees payroll audits, reconciliations, tax issue resolution, regulatory reporting, year-end processing, and support for internal and external audits.Partners with HR, Finance, Operations, and external vendors to ensure accurate and timely employee payments, labor distribution, and incentive payments, recognizing that employees and their pay are the highest priority of the payroll function.Partners with HR, Legal, and Finance stakeholders on wage-and-hour compliance, payroll audits, government inquiries, and payroll-related risk management.Leads payroll-related projects, including system implementations, upgrades, acquisitions, process improvements, and vendor management.Analyzes payroll data, identifies risks or process improvement opportunities, and recommends solutions to enhance accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency.QualificationsBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, and 8+ years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership responsibilities; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred8+ years of progressive payroll experience, including payroll management and leadership responsibilities; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.5+ years of experience managing complex, multi-state payroll operations, including payroll tax compliance and reporting.2+ years of direct people leadership experience.Demonstrated expertise in federal, state, and local payroll tax laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.Experience administering wage garnishments, levies, child support orders, and other court-ordered deductions.Proven experience managing payroll processes, audits, reconciliations, and year-end activities (W-2s, payroll tax filings, and regulatory reporting).KnowledgeKnowledge of privacy laws and regulationsKnowledge of payroll processing, reconciliations and reportingKnowledge of payroll tax compliance in a multi-state environmentKnowledge of minimum wage tip credit in a multi-state environmentKnowledge of regulatory standards and policies and procedures of payrollMust have strong knowledge of payroll, time and attendance and information systems, preferably with system enhancement and conversion experienceSkillsStrong knowledge of payroll operations, payroll tax compliance, wage and hour regulations, and internal controls.Ability to foster a service-oriented team culture that prioritizes accuracy, responsiveness, accountability, and employee satisfaction.Demonstrated commitment to exceptional customer service with a focus on creating positive employee experiences and resolving payroll concerns with urgency, empathy, and professionalism.Strong communication and relationship-building skills, including the ability to convey complex payroll information clearly, proactively communicate issues and resolutions, and build effective partnerships across HR, finance, operations, and external vendors.Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively interact at all levels of the organization.Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, and experience utilizing payroll, HRIS, timekeeping, and accounting systems.Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive employee and company information.Ability to analyze business processes, identify risks, and implement process improvements to enhance payroll accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.Experience with Workday Payroll, Legion Timekeeping, and payroll tax service providers preferred.ScopePerforms duties with minimal supervision, operating from specific and definite directions and instructions. Decisions are of a routine nature made within prescribed operating guidelines, policies and procedures. Mistakes/errors may result in work stoppage, loss of business, poor customer relations and/or damage to product, all of which can have negative financial implications for the organization.The employee has control over resources available only.Working Conditions & Physical DemandsThe working conditions and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Physical RequirementsWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit or stand for extended periods of time and may be required to run; walk; handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.Lifting RequirementsExerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.Working EnvironmentThe majority of work will be performed in climate-controlled environment, but may be exposed to inclement weather and varying degrees of temperatures on occasion.TravelTravel of up to 10% may be required.