Payroll Manager

Payroll Manager

The Payroll Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing all payroll operations for Casella Waste Systems, Inc., ensuring employees are paid accurately, timely, and in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This position provides operational leadership for payroll administration, payroll systems, and timekeeping processes while directing payroll staff and serving as the primary escalation point for complex payroll matters. The Payroll Manager partners closely with Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology, operational leaders, and external vendors to drive continuous improvement, strengthen internal controls, enhance process efficiency, and deliver high-quality payroll services that support the Company's growth and commitment to operational excellence. Hiring Range: $104,000 - $130,000 per year

Key Responsibilities

• Leads and directs all payroll operations, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing of multi-state payrolls while maintaining service levels and operational efficiency.
• Establishes governance, standards, and continuous improvement strategies for payroll systems, including ADP Workforce Now and timekeeping platforms, to support scalability, accuracy, and operational effectiveness.
• Oversees employee payroll data throughout the employment lifecycle, ensuring the integrity of personnel, compensation, timekeeping, and payroll records.
• Manages and develops payroll team members by providing leadership, coaching, performance management, training, and professional development opportunities.
• Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, wage-and-hour laws, garnishment requirements, reporting obligations, and payroll administration standards.
• Reviews, analyzes, and resolves complex payroll issues, discrepancies, deductions, garnishments, accruals, employment verification requests, and employee inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Establishes and maintains payroll documentation, record retention, and audit-ready practices that safeguard confidential information and support regulatory compliance.
• Partners with Human Resources, Finance, operational leaders, auditors, and third-party vendors to strengthen internal controls, improve processes, and support organizational objectives.
• Prepares and reviews payroll analyses, audits, tax filings, and management reports to support compliance, operational effectiveness, and informed business decision-making.
• Participates in training and other learning opportunities to expand knowledge of the company, products, sales, and services and performs any other duties needed to help drive our vision, fulfill our mission, and/or abide by our core values.

Nature & Scope

Casella Waste Systems, Inc. is a publicly traded, vertically integrated provider of resource management, recycling, and solid waste services operating across the Northeastern United States. Supporting a geographically dispersed workforce across multiple operating divisions and jurisdictions, the Payroll Manager plays a critical role in ensuring the accurate, compliant, and efficient administration of payroll processes that support the Company's employees and business objectives.

Reporting to the Senior Accounting Manager, this position serves as the functional leader of the payroll department and oversees all payroll operations, systems, compliance activities, and payroll-related controls. The position provides direct leadership to a team of Payroll Specialists and works closely with a Staff Accountant and Payroll Accountant to ensure the integrity of payroll processing, payroll accounting, reconciliations, tax reporting, audits, and financial reporting activities.

Operating with a high degree of independence and professional judgment, the Manager of Payroll is responsible for interpreting and applying complex payroll regulations, establishing and maintaining effective payroll governance practices, resolving escalated payroll issues, and driving process improvements that enhance operational efficiency and employee experience. The position regularly partners with leaders and team members across Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology, Legal, and Operations, as well as external vendors, auditors, and regulatory agencies. The role requires balancing strategic leadership with hands-on operational oversight while ensuring payroll services remain accurate, scalable, audit-ready, and aligned with the Company's growth strategy, financial controls, and commitment to operational excellence.

Education, Experience & Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, finance, or the equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will also be considered. Candidates must have a minimum of five years of progressive payroll administration experience, including responsibility for payroll processing, payroll tax compliance, payroll auditing, and payroll systems administration, along with at least five years of demonstrated leadership experience managing or supervising payroll professionals.

Experience working with ADP Workforce Now or similar enterprise payroll applications is required, and experience supporting complex, multi-state payroll operations is strongly preferred. Professional payroll certification preferred, including the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) and/or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP).

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong technical, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, is required. The ability to lead and develop teams in a collaborative environment and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality, accuracy, and compliance is critical. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the United States.

Attributes

Results-driven and collaborative leader with a strong commitment to payroll excellence, compliance, and customer service. Demonstrates a servant leadership approach, empowering team members through coaching, mentorship, open communication, and a focus on professional growth while fostering a culture of accountability, trust, and mutual respect. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex payroll information into clear, actionable guidance, this role builds strong partnerships across all levels of the organization and navigates sensitive employee matters with professionalism and discretion. The ability to balance competing priorities, lead effectively under pressure, and consistently deliver accurate, high-quality results within critical deadlines are key to success in the position.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability Insurance, Maternity & Parental Leave, Flexible Spending Accounts, Discounted Stock Program, 401K, Boot & Clothing Allowance, Safety Awards, Employee Assistance Plan, Wellness Incentive, Tuition Assistance, Career Pathways, and More.