Payroll Manager

Our client, a growing and dynamic organization is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead and oversee payroll operations for approximately 3,000 employees across multiple states . This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing while driving process improvements, maintaining strong internal controls, and serving as the organization's subject matter expert for payroll, payroll tax compliance, and payroll systems.

The ideal candidate will bring deep multi-state payroll expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and hands-on experience with UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) payroll systems.

Position Summar

yThe Payroll Manager will oversee all payroll functions, ensuring payroll is processed accurately and in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This individual will manage payroll tax filings, support audits, oversee month-end and year-end payroll activities, and partner closely with Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, and external service providers

.The successful candidate will be a proactive leader who can balance strategic process improvements with hands-on operational execution

.
Key Responsibiliti

esPayroll Operatio

• nsLead end-to-end payroll processing for approximately 3,000 employees across multiple state
• s.Ensure timely and accurate processing of bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and off-cycle payroll
• s.Oversee payroll transactions including new hires, terminations, bonuses, commissions, deductions, garnishments, and benefit-related change
• s.Develop and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and internal control

s.Payroll Compliance & T

• axEnsure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll tax regulation
• s.Manage payroll tax filings, payments, reconciliations, and related reporting requirement
• s.Coordinate and respond to payroll tax notices and inquirie
• s.Lead payroll-related audits, including payroll tax audits, workers' compensation audits, and internal/external financial audit
• s.Stay current on changing payroll legislation and regulatory requirement

s.Financial Reporting & Reconciliatio

• nsManage payroll-related month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activitie
• s.Reconcile payroll accounts and ensure accurate posting to the general ledge
• r.Prepare payroll accruals and supporting schedule
• s.Support annual W-2 processing and year-end reporting activitie
• s.Partner with Accounting and Finance teams to ensure payroll-related financial accurac

y.Systems & Process Improveme

• ntServe as the primary administrator and subject matter expert for UKG payroll system
• s.Partner with HRIS and IT teams to optimize payroll processes and system functionalit
• y.Identify opportunities for automation, process improvement, and operational efficiencie
• s.Support system implementations, upgrades, testing, and integration

s.Leadersh

• ipLead, mentor, and develop payroll staf
• f.Establish performance expectations and drive continuous improvement within the payroll functio
• n.Serve as a trusted business partner to HR, Finance, Accounting, and operational leadership team

s.Qualificatio

nsRequir

• edBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related fiel
• d.7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including management or supervisory responsibilitie
• s.Experience overseeing payroll for a multi-state workforce of 1,500+ employee
• s.Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulation
• s.Hands-on experience wit h UKG Payroll and Timekeeping syste m
• s.Experience managing payroll audits and regulatory compliance requirement
• s.Strong understanding of payroll accounting, reconciliations, and general ledger impact
• s.Advanced Microsoft Excel skill