Payroll Manager

HGA is seeking to hire a Payroll Manager in Lafayette, LA responsible for overseeing and executing all aspects of payroll operations across multiple states. This role ensures accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing while maintaining strong internal controls. The Payroll Manager exercises independent judgment to resolve issues, proactively identifies risks, and understands when to escalate matters appropriately. This position plays a key role in supporting scalable payroll processes and cross-functional alignment with Accounting, HR, and Operations.

• Manage end-to-end weekly payroll processing for multi-state construction operations
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and tax regulations
• Oversee payroll tax filings, deposits, and reconciliations across jurisdictions
• Monitor and maintain accurate employee tax setup, including multi-state withholding and reciprocity rules
• Ensure proper handling of garnishments, benefits deductions, and prevailing wage requirements (if applicable)
• Establish and enforce payroll controls, including independent review and validation of payroll data
• Reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts (wages, taxes, benefits, liabilities)
• Partner with Accounting to ensure payroll activity ties accurately to financial statements
• Identify trends, discrepancies, and risks; implement corrective actions
• Independently investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies, errors, and employee inquiries
• Apply sound judgment in determining root cause and appropriate resolution
• Escalate complex, high-risk, or sensitive matters to leadership with clear recommendations
• Balance timeliness with accuracy-ensuring issues are resolved completely, not just quickly
• Maintain and optimize payroll systems (e.g., ERP/timekeeping integrations)
• Support payroll-related implementations, upgrades, and process improvements
• Develop and document standardized procedures to support consistency and scalability
• Evaluate and improve workflows to reduce manual effort and error rates
• Partner with HR on employee setup, terminations, and benefits changes
• Work with Operations to ensure accurate and timely time entry and approvals
• Coordinate with Accounting on month-end close, accruals, and reporting
• Provide guidance and training to internal stakeholders on payroll processes and expectations
• Serve as the primary point of accountability for payroll accuracy and compliance
• Build a culture of ownership, attention to detail, and continuous improvement
• Provide oversight, coaching, and development (if direct reports exist)

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of payroll oversight experience, including multi-state payroll processing, tax filings and jurisdiction reconciliation
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements
• Experience with payroll systems and ERP integrations (e.g., CMiC or similar systems preferred)
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred