Manager, Payroll Tax

About Carvana

If you like disrupting the norm and are looking to join a company revolutionizing an industry then you will LOVE what Carvana has done for the car buying experience. Buying a car the old fashioned way sucks and we are working hard to make it NOT suck. I mean, have you seen our vending machine?!

We are looking for people who are excited to thrive in an environment of impactful change. Team spirit is evident at Carvana and every day we let our passions and creativity foster innovation. We take big swings, set ambitious goals, and challenge each other to make data- and process-driven decisions in everything we do. Here are a few of our stories! We've been changing the game since 2013, and we're not taking our foot off the gas now. Want more of the story? Check out our background here.

About the team and position

The Payroll Tax Manager will serve as a strategic leader responsible for overseeing payroll tax compliance, regulatory reporting, tax operations, and process governance across multi-state payroll environments. This role will leverage deep payroll tax expertise to drive compliance, strengthen internal controls, enhance operational processes, and support team development. The ideal candidate will partner cross-functionally with Payroll, People Operations, HRIS, Finance, and external agencies to ensure accurate and compliant payroll tax practices while continuously improving the employee payroll experience.

What you'll be doing

• Lead and oversee all payroll tax operations and compliance activities, including federal, state, and local tax filings, tax reconciliations, year-end reporting, and agency compliance requirements.
• Manage payroll tax calendar deadlines and ensure all tax filings, deposits, amendments, and reporting obligations are completed accurately and timely.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll tax agencies and third-party vendors, including management of notices, audits, account registrations, and issue resolution.
• Partner with Payroll Operations, HRIS, Finance, and People Operations to ensure payroll tax impacts are properly assessed for new earnings, deductions, equity transactions, fringe benefits, and organizational changes.
• Review and enhance payroll tax policies, procedures, controls, and standard operating procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and SOX requirements.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and operational efficiencies within payroll tax and compliance functions.
• Support payroll system implementations, tax configuration updates, integrations, testing, and ongoing optimization efforts.
• Monitor changes in payroll tax legislation and regulatory requirements, proactively assessing organizational impact and implementing necessary changes.
• Act as the escalation point for complex payroll tax matters, compliance concerns, and cross-functional issue resolution.
• Prepare, analyze, and present payroll tax reconciliations, audit documentation, reporting, and compliance metrics.
• Lead, coach, and mentor payroll team members, supporting professional development and strengthening subject matter expertise across the team.
• Assist with special projects, audits, acquisitions, and compliance initiatives as needed.

What you should know/have

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (preferred).
• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience with significant focus in payroll tax compliance and multi-state payroll operations.
• Strong expertise in federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, filings, reconciliations, and agency requirements.
• Experience managing payroll tax operations within complex multi-state environments.
• Experience with HRIS and payroll systems, specifically Workday.
• Experience with ADP SmartCompliance and payroll tax vendor management.
• Knowledge of payroll tax treatment for equity transactions, fringe benefits, supplemental wages, and year-end reporting requirements.
• Experience supporting payroll system implementations, integrations, and testing initiatives.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and process improvement skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical compliance deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including intermediate to advanced Excel skills.
• Ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with mentoring, coaching, and developing team members.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to partner effectively across departments and external agencies.

What we'll offer in return

• Full-Time Salary Position with a competitive salary.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits.
• 401K with company match.
• A multitude of perks including student loan payments, discounts on vehicles, benefits for your pets, and much more.
• A great wellness program to keep you healthy and happy both physically and mentally.
• Access to opportunities to expand your skill set and share your knowledge with others across the organization.
• A company culture of promotions from within, with a start-up atmosphere allowing for varied and rapid career development.

Legal stuff

Hiring is contingent on passing a complete background check. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Carvana is an equal employment opportunity employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. Carvana also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.