Payroll Manager

This job is located at 1 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL, 60606 Overview PLS® Overview: PLS stands for People – Location – Service and is a leading retail provider of financial services. The PLS Group, headquartered in Chicago, operates over 200 financial service centers in 12 states. Through our check cashing stores, we provide consumers with convenient financial products and services to help them manage day-to-day financial needs. PLS was founded in 1997 by Bob and Dan Wolfberg, who serve as Co-Presidents. Position Overview The Manager of Payroll is responsible for overseeing and managing the Company’s payroll operations and ensuring pay is processed on time and accurately. This role blends technical expertise, leadership, and a deep understanding of payroll systems and labor laws. This person will collaborate with internal partners and external vendors to standardize processes, drive efficiency, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Job Responsibilities Manage and oversee the full-cycle payroll process for approximately 3,500 employees across multiple states on a weekly and bi-weekly basis. Prepare payroll reports, variance analyses, and audit support documentation. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and company policies. Ensure accuracy and completeness of payroll processes by establishing and implementing an auditing and quality control process. Manage payroll tax filings, remittances, and year-end processes. Troubleshoot and resolve payroll and timekeeping system issues promptly. Provide guidance, training, and workflow oversight to the Payroll Team with a focus on exceptional customer service and quality results. Handle complex payroll issues and employee escalations with professionalism and discretion. Lead internal and external payroll audits and respond to inquiries from auditors and regulators. Provide accurate, real-time data to our Operations Leadership Team to enable them to make strategic decisions. Collaborate with Accounting on payroll-related reconciliations, journal entries, and audits. Maintain payroll policies, procedures, documentation, and internal controls. Act as the subject matter expert and stay current on payroll systems, regulations, and labor laws impacting the payroll process. Identify and implement process improvements, system enhancements, and controls to enhance accuracy and efficiency. Monitor changes in regulatory requirements and internal policy changes, and partner cross-functionally to determine if payroll processes need to be updated. Ensure data integrity and confidentiality of payroll information. Additional duties as assigned. Job Requirements Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field highly preferred. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or equivalent certification preferred 10+ years of experience in payroll operations across multiple states. 5+ years of experience in managing and motivating direct reports and teams. Expertise in payroll and tax regulations at the federal, state, and local levels required. Experience with UKG (formerly UltiPro) and Workforce Management (formerly Kronos) preferred. Experience leading payroll and timekeeping system implementations, integrations, and upgrades with strong project management skills. Proficient in Microsoft Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP, etc.). Ability to streamline payroll processes and drive operational improvements. Ability to develop, improve, document and provide high quality deliverables. Excellent problem-solving skills; strong ability to proactively identify and implement effective solutions. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze payroll data and make data-driven decisions. Strong attention to detail and accuracy. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and senior leadership. Ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with confidential matters. Working Conditions and Physical Requirements This role requires regular in-person collaboration with team members at our Chicago Support Center. Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods. Must be able to lift up to 15 lbs. with little assistance. Must be able to work in restrictive spaces and maintain concentration in a busy environment with moderate to high noise levels. Must manage several tasks at one time and handle frequent interruptions to meet the needs and requests of customers. Benefits Benefits for eligible team members include medical/dental/vision, 401(k), vacation, opportunities for advancement, and ongoing training. We strive to demonstrate our Core Values in all positions at PLS: Core Values Customer Focus Integrity and Trust Teamwork Results PLS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. PLS is a drug-free workplace. PLS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify your Recruiter or a member of our Human Resources team at View email address on click.appcast.io to make arrangements. The decision on granting accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For jobs located in the City of Los Angeles, consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment. Illinois Pay Band $110,000 - $120,000 USD #J-18808-Ljbffr