Strategic Payroll Leader — Multi-State & SOX-Ready

Orchestra is a strategic communications and marketing company built for today’s complex and fragmented world. From decoding audiences to designing bold strategies, Orchestra integrates people, platforms, and stories that stick to help clients build lasting influence. The company offers programs that span from the highest level strategic business counsel through to tactical execution. Orchestra brings together 700+ people with experience across consumer and lifestyle, technology, nonprofit and philanthropy, real estate, sports, travel, hospitality, and more. Made up of leading firms BerlinRosen , Civitas Public Affairs Group , Derris , Glen Echo Group , Inkhouse , M18 , Message Lab , Onward and Small Girls PR . It also launched Brightmode , a talent acquisition firm for communications professionals, and Versus Media Group , a strategy-first political media team. Learn more at . People of color, people with disabilities and women are strongly encouraged to apply. Orchestra is committed to building and maintaining a diverse staff and recognizes that its continued success depends on hiring and retaining high-quality creative professionals with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Opportunities for advancement exist and we are committed to helping all staff develop and grow.

ABOUT THE ORCHESTRA FINANCE TEAM

The Orchestra Finance Team oversees financial results and works with our teams on client finance, growth strategies and the overall financial health of the company. We are responsible for the successful integration with our new partner companies as well as any future acquisition activity. We work with management and other key agency stakeholders to drive profitability and monitor key performance indicators. We are growing a team of experienced finance professionals, change agents, Excel masters and complex problem-solvers to collaborate cross-functionally to assess financial strategies, systems and processes in an effort to drive the full-cycle financial health of all our clients.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

Orchestra is seeking a Senior Manager, Payroll to join the Finance team. The Senior Manager, Payroll is responsible for the strategic oversight and hands-on execution of payroll operations for Orchestra’s growing, multi-state workforce. This role will lead all payroll activities, including processing, compliance, benefits integration (e.g., 401(k)), and coordination with HR and Legal on employment matters. The ideal candidate is detail-obsessed, system-savvy, a strong communicator and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment. This role reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer. Role location: This role is based on a hybrid basis in our New York, N.Y. office. The Finance team is in-office 3 days per week.

ACCOUNTABILITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

As the Senior Manager, Payroll, you will… Payroll Execution & Oversight Oversee end-to-end bi-weekly, semi-monthly and off-cycle payrolls for 750+ employees across multiple states Ensure accurate, timely processing of payroll in compliance with federal, state and local regulations Maintain and update payroll policies, procedures and controls aligned with best practices and SOX standards System Management & Optimization Serve as Payroll system owner and will be responsible for managing upgrades, integrations and data integrity Collaborate with HR and Finance teams to ensure seamless payroll-benefit data flow Lead the implementation of automation and workflow improvements within the payroll lifecycle Benefits & 401(k) Integration Administer and reconcile benefit deductions, including health plans, HSA/FSA and 401(k) (Fidelity) Ensure timely 401(k) funding and reporting, including compliance testing, match processing and audit support Compliance & Audit Ensure full compliance with all applicable payroll tax laws and regulations (federal, state, and local) File and reconcile multi-state payroll tax filings; work closely with external tax advisors as needed Support annual audits (financial, 401(k), workers comp) with detailed payroll records and reconciliations Employee Lifecycle & Legal Interface Partner with HR and Legal on payroll-related matters including onboarding, terminations, severance agreements, garnishments and leaves Support employment-related pay and tax disputes and compliance reviews, coordinating with external payroll vendors and employment attorneys when necessary Leadership & Communication Lead, develop, and mentor two direct reports in the payroll team including an HRIS specialist and a Payroll Administrator Act as a point of contact for payroll escalations; ensure high service levels to internal stakeholders Communicate effectively with Finance, HR, Legal and department heads to ensure alignment and transparency Proactive Controls & Reporting Design and implement payroll controls, reporting dashboards and reconciliation processes Identify risks, gaps and process inefficiencies—proposing solutions before problems arise Generate and present payroll insights to Finance and Leadership. Essential skills: 5-7+ years of payroll experience; 2+ years in a leadership role Experience managing payroll in a multi-state U.S. environment (including NY, NJ, CA, TX, etc.) Deep knowledge of payroll tax compliance, wage and hour laws and benefits administration Familiarity with employment lifecycle events (onboarding, offboarding, severance, terminations) Hands-on experience with 401(k) administration and compliance (preferably with Fidelity) Experience working with employment attorneys or handling sensitive payroll-related legal matters Demonstrated ability to set up and maintain strong internal controls and audit processes Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail Strong interpersonal skills; able to build trust and influence across departments Excellent written and verbal communication skills Preferred: Experience with Paylocity, ADP, or similar large payroll/HCM platforms CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or other relevant certification Experience scaling payroll operations in a high-growth or PE-backed environment

WORKING AT ORCHESTRA

Salary (commensurate with experience and skills): $135,000-$145,000 This role would be eligible for end of year bonuses based on firm, team and individual performance. To ensure that applicants are matched with the job that best suits their qualifications and interests, information that you submit may be shared with our network agencies. By providing your information, you are consenting to allow us and our subsidiaries to keep your information on file and to contact you regarding job opportunities, recruitment events and other related updates. Create a Job Alert Interested in building your career at Orchestra? Get future opportunities sent straight to your email. Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf Enter manually Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf LinkedIn Profile * Website Are you authorized to work in the U.S.? * Select... Will you now, or in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status)? * Select... Note: Orchestra offers temporary (non-immigrant) work visas for new and existing employees and green card sponsorship for existing staff. What is your expected salary range? * How did you hear about this role? * Select... If you were referred by an Orchestra employee, please share their name below: Do you currently reside within a commutable distance to an Orchestra office? * Select... Note : This role is based in our New York office and follows a hybrid work model. How many years of relevant, full-time experience do you have? * Select... Do you have experience with Paylocity, ADP, Workday, or similar large payroll/HCM platforms? * Select... Please list all of the platforms you have experience with? * Do you have experience managing payroll in a multi-state U.S. environment (including NY, NJ, CA, TX, etc.)? * Select... What is the largest number of employees you have managed payroll for in a single pay cycle? * Select... Do you hold any payroll-related certifications (i.e., Certified Payroll Professional)? * Select... If yes, please elaborate: Is there anything from your resume or experience you would like to highlight for the hiring team? Feel free to share anything additional about your experience, skills, or interests that you think would help us get to know you better. Voluntary & Anonymous Custom Demographics Survey We are continuously working to expand our work environment to be as diverse and inclusive of as many perspectives as possible. Below is a set of voluntary demographic questions. If you choose to fill out this survey, the responses will be collected in aggregate only to help us identify areas for improvement in our hiring process. Your responses, or lack thereof, will not in any way be associated with your application or candidate details, will not affect your opportunity for employment, or the terms or conditions of your employment, and will not in any way be used in the hiring decision. I currently identify my gender as: Select... I identify my ethnicity as (mark all that apply): Select... Select... I have a disability. Select... I identify as currently living with the following disabilities: Select... I identify as a first-generation college graduate. Select... #J-18808-Ljbffr Orchestra Co