Payroll Manager

Payroll ManagerThe Payroll Manager oversees the end-to-end payroll function for a large, multi-entity, multi-state healthcare organization. This role provides leadership to a team of five payroll specialists and ensures accurate, compliant, and timely payroll operations. The ideal candidate is a strong people leader with deep payroll expertise, outstanding judgment, and the ability to navigate complex data flows, regulatory requirements, and high-volume processing.Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Team ManagementLead, supervise, mentor, and develop the payroll specialist team, ensuring high performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.Establish clear workflows, training plans, and quality checkpoints for payroll activities.Partner closely with HR, Finance, Scheduling, Clinical Operations, and Human Resources/Employee Relations to ensure seamless cross-departmental collaboration.Payroll OperationsOversee accurate and timely processing of multi-state payroll for hourly, salaried, and clinical, remote, and specialized employee groups.Validate payroll inputs from multiple systems—including seven EMRs, timekeeping sources, and scheduling platforms ensuring data integrity across diverse workflows.Ensure wage-and-hour compliance, including overtime, shift differentials, on call pay, bonuses, mileage, multi-rate structures, and state-specific rules.Manage payroll tax compliance, filings, garnishments, benefit deductions, year-end reporting, and audit preparation.Maintain strong internal controls and SOPs across the payroll lifecycle.Systems & Process ImprovementServe as the operational owner of UKG for payroll, maximizing system capabilities and partnering with HRIS to resolve issues and optimize workflow.Identify opportunities for automation, efficiency, and error-reduction; lead implementation of improved processes.Collaborate with HRIS on system upgrades, integrations, and data-flow enhancements between UKG and EMRs.Compliance & Audit SupportEnsure compliance with federal, state, and local wage/hour regulations, Medicare/Medicaid requirements, and healthcare-specific payroll rules.Support internal and external audits by providing required documentation, corrective actions, and process insights.Partner with Employee Relations on escalated matters requiring payroll expertise.Reporting & Stakeholder SupportProvide accurate, timely payroll information and requested reports to leadership, Finance, and regulatory stakeholders.Use available tools and HRIS support rather than rely on technical report-writing expertise.Support reimbursement processes, cost reporting, and compliance reviews as needed.Qualifications• Bachelor's degree preferred (Accounting, Finance, Business, HR, or related field). • 5+ years of progressive payroll experience with 3+ years in a supervisory or management role. • Experience in healthcare payroll (home health, hospice, or multi-location care environments) strongly preferred. • Expertise with multi-state payroll and high-volume, complex environments. • Strong working knowledge of UKG or comparable HR/payroll platforms. Experience with SaaS payroll/HR systems such as ADP, Workday, or Viventium is beneficial. • Solid understanding of wage/hour law, payroll taxes, garnishments, compliance, and audit processes. • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including using pivot tables, x and v lookups and macros.• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, troubleshoot issues, enforce accuracy, and lead a high-performing team. • Exceptional judgment, confidentiality, communication skills, and service-oriented mindset.What We Offer• Competitive compensation and benefits • Medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans with employer contribution • Generous paid time off & holidays • Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture • Opportunity to influence and elevate payroll operations across a fast-growing healthcare enterprise