Senior Payroll Manager

Job Description

Job Description

NorthStar Memorial Group is seeking a Senior Payroll Manager in Houston, TX. About the Role

The Senior Payroll Manager leads end-to-end payroll operations for a large, multi-state, multi-location organization. This role is accountable for accurate, compliant, and timely weekly and biweekly payroll processing while delivering a high-service payroll experience to leaders and employees across 95+ locations.

This position is ideal for a hands-on payroll leader who excels in complex environments, thrives on process improvement, and brings strong technical knowledge, operational discipline, and people leadership.

What You’ll Do

• Lead end-to-end weekly and biweekly payroll processing across 95+ multi-state locations
• Manage and develop payroll and commission processing teams
• Ensure payroll accuracy, data integrity, and full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Oversee payroll system administration, including ADP configuration, validation tables, security controls, and integrations
• Manage payroll audits, reconciliations, general ledger entries, accruals, and year-end processes (W-2s)
• Act as the payroll subject matter expert for HR, Finance, and field leadership
• Provide responsive, high-touch support and clear guidance to leaders and managers
• Identify automation opportunities, strengthen internal controls, and drive continuous process improvement
• Lead or support payroll system upgrades and implementations
• Stay current on regulatory changes and ensure ongoing compliance

What We’re Looking For

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including managerial or supervisory responsibility
• Proven experience managing payroll in a complex, multi-state, multi-location environment
• Strong working knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, garnishments, and wage & hour compliance
• Demonstrated ability to manage weekly and biweekly payroll cycles with high accuracy
• Exceptional attention to detail, risk awareness, and data confidentiality
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and process-improvement capabilities
• Ability to partner cross-functionally and communicate effectively with leaders at all levels

Preferred Experience

• ADP Workforce Now (WFN) experience
• Payroll system implementations or major upgrades

Why This Role Matters

This role plays a critical part in supporting organizational growth by ensuring payroll operations are scalable, compliant, and employee-centric. The Senior Payroll Manager directly impacts employee trust, financial accuracy, and operational excellence across the organization.

Equal Opportunity

NorthStar is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all federal, state, and local employment laws.

*Posted compensation ranges are a mix of salary and bonuses.