Payroll Manager

Position Summary

The Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing all payroll operations for Slick City and affiliated entities, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across a multi-state workforce. This role serves as the primary liaison with outsourced payroll providers and is responsible for payroll administration, payroll accounting, benefits deductions and retirement plan coordination, compliance oversight, reporting, and process improvement initiatives. The Payroll Manager partners closely with Finance, Human Resources, Operations, and external vendors to ensure payroll accuracy, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency and a ahigh level of employee service.

Key Responsibilities

1. Payroll Processing & Administration

• Oversee and manage semi-monthly payroll processing for hourly and salaried employees across multiple locations and legal entities.
• Serve as one of the primary points of contact for outsourced payroll providers, including ProLiant and Payentry, ensuring accurate and timely payroll execution.
• Review, verify, and approve payroll cycles including timesheets, retroactive pay adjustments, bonuses, commissions, PTO, garnishments, deductions, and severance payments prior to payroll submission.
• Ensure accurate calculation of wages, overtime, taxes, benefit deductions, commissions, and other earnings.
• Maintain payroll calendars and ensure all payroll deadlines are consistently met.
• Resolve payroll discrepancies and complex payroll issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Oversee the escheatment process for uncashed payroll checks in accordance with state regulations.

2. Compliance & Tax Administration

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and reporting requirements.
• Monitor payroll processing for remote and multi-state employees to ensure proper tax withholding and reporting compliance.
• Manage payroll tax filings, garnishments, deductions, and year-end reporting activities including W-2 processing, corrections, and distributions.
• Partner with payroll vendors, Finance, and external agencies to resolve payroll tax notices and compliance issues.
• Stay informed on changing payroll regulations and recommend process updates to maintain organizational compliance.
• Assist in implementing and maintaining payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls to minimize risk and improve accuracy.

3. HR, Benefits, & Retirement Administration

• Partner closely with Human Resources to ensure accurate employee records related to hires, terminations, status changes, compensation updates, and leave administration.
• Administer the company’s 401(k) plan including eligibility monitoring, payroll deductions, funding submissions, reconciliations, and audit coordination.
• Reconcile 401(k) payroll liabilities and funding activity to ensure accurate reporting and account balances.
• Serve as the primary contact for annual 401(k) audits and payroll-related audit requests.
• Review medical, dental, and vision deductions for accuracy and reconcile against monthly benefit invoices.
• Support payroll-related employee inquiries with professionalism, discretion, and timely follow-up.

4. Systems, Reporting & Reconciliation

• Maintain payroll system integrity, employee setup accuracy, and ongoing payroll record maintenance.
• Support payroll system implementations, upgrades, testing, and integrations, including payroll platform transitions.
• Prepare payroll reports, accruals, reconciliations, and analytics to support month-end close, forecasting, audits, and financial reporting.
• Ensure payroll-related journal entries are accurately recorded and reconciled within the general ledger, including wages, taxes, bonuses, benefits, and severance.
• Partner with Finance on payroll reconciliations and month-end close activities.
• Identify and implement process improvements, automation opportunities, and operational efficiencies within payroll operations.

5. Employee Support & Confidentiality

• Provide guidance, support, and oversight related to payroll administration and best practices.
• Promote accountability, accuracy, and strong internal customer service within payroll operations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with HR, Finance, Operations, and leadership to support organizational goals and employee experience.
• Assist with special projects, audits, reporting requests, and additional payroll-related initiatives as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience considered.

Experience:

• 7-10 years of payroll processing experience, demonstrated expertise in full-cycle, multi-state or multi-entity environment payroll administration.
• Experience partnering with Finance and HR teams required.
• Experience with payroll systems and timekeeping platforms (specific systems a plus).
• Experience supporting multi-location or multi-entity payroll environments required.
• Experience with accounting or ERP systems such as QuickBooks, NetSuite, Intacct, SAP, Oracle, or similar software preferred.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong understanding of payroll laws, wage and hour compliance, payroll tax regulations and payroll accounting principles.
• Exceptional attention to detail with strong analytical, reconciliation, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to explain payroll matters clearly and professionally.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel including pivot tables, lookups, formulas, and payroll reporting analysis.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion with highly sensitive employee and payroll information
• Strong process improvement mindset with the ability to identify opportunities to streamline workflows and improve operational efficiency.

Core Competencies

· Accuracy & Attention to Detail – Ensures payroll is processed correctly and consistently, minimizing errors and rework.

· Compliance & Risk Awareness – Maintains compliance with payroll laws and internal controls to reduce organizational risk.

· Cross-Functional Collaboration – Works effectively with Finance and HR to align payroll, employee data, and reporting.

· Accountability & Ownership – Takes full responsibility for payroll outcomes, deadlines, and issue resolution.

· Process Improvement Mindset – Identifies opportunities to streamline payroll processes and improve efficiency and accuracy.

· Service Orientation – Responds to employee payroll questions with professionalism, clarity, and care.

Physical Requirements

· Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and travel to parks and training sites (75%).

· Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. (training materials or equipment).

· Comfortable working in both office and operational environments.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time, exempt position requiring flexibility to support operational and training schedules. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, with some evening or weekend work required for park openings or events.

Benefits

· 401(k) with company match

· Health, dental, and vision insurance

· Paid time off and holiday pay

· Professional development opportunities

· Flexible schedule to support work–life balance

· FREE park admission, plus discounts on food and retail.

· Opportunities to grow with Slick City through training and career advancement.

About Slick City Action Park

Slick City Action Park is the world’s first and only indoor slide and action sports park designed for all ages. We’re redefining family entertainment by combining massive slides, sport courts, and thrilling attractions into one high-energy destination. With locations expanding nationwide, Slick City is built on innovation, inclusivity, and creating safe, adrenaline-filled fun for every guest.