Payroll Manager (Greater Phoenix Area)

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to oversee payroll operations, ensure accurate and timely employee compensation, and maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with UKG payroll systems, a strong understanding of payroll processes, and the leadership skills to manage payroll operations in a fast-paced environment.

This individual will be responsible for payroll processing, system administration, reporting, compliance, and continuous process improvement while partnering with Human Resources, Accounting, and other departments to ensure payroll accuracy and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Operations

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing, ensuring accurate and timely payment of employee wages, bonuses, commissions, overtime, and other compensation.
• Oversee payroll activities for multiple pay groups, locations, and employee classifications, as applicable.
• Review payroll registers, deductions, tax withholdings, benefit contributions, and other payroll-related transactions.
• Ensure accurate processing of new hires, terminations, promotions, pay changes, leave balances, and other employee updates.
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies, employee inquiries, and complex payroll issues.

Team Leadership & Process Improvement

• Supervise, mentor, and develop payroll team members.
• Establish standardized procedures, service-level expectations, and payroll processing controls.
• Collaborate with HR, Benefits, Finance, and operational leaders to resolve issues and streamline workflows.
• Evaluate existing processes and implement improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and employee satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including experience overseeing payroll operations.
• Prior experience in a Payroll Manager, Payroll Supervisor, or equivalent leadership role preferred.

Hands-on experience with UKG payroll systems is required.

• Strong knowledge of payroll processing, payroll taxes, wage and hour regulations, and applicable employment laws.
• Experience managing complex payrolls across multiple locations, pay groups, or employee classifications.
• Working knowledge of payroll reconciliations, general ledger entries, and month-end close processes.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with payroll reporting and data analysis.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and the ability to maintain confidential employee information.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and team leadership skills.