Payroll Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Payroll Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time
Location: Atlanta, GA (Vinings)
Onsite 5 Days Per Week

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to oversee and optimize all aspects of payroll operations for a multi-location organization. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing while serving as the subject matter expert for payroll systems, reporting, taxation, audits, and employee support.

The ideal candidate brings extensive experience with UKG Pro, strong analytical and compliance expertise, and a customer-focused approach to supporting employees, managers, and business leaders. This position requires a highly organized professional who thrives in a deadline-driven environment and can proactively identify opportunities for process improvement.

Key ResponsibilitiesPayroll Operations

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for hourly and salaried employees.
• Ensure payroll transactions are processed accurately and on schedule.
• Review payroll data including earnings, deductions, garnishments, tax withholdings, and adjustments.
• Validate timekeeping records, overtime calculations, holiday pay, and special payroll circumstances.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations and tax requirements.
• Maintain payroll records and documentation in accordance with company policies and legal requirements.
• Prepare payroll-related reports, metrics, and compliance documentation for leadership.
• Manage year-end payroll activities, including W-2 processing and payroll reconciliations.

Payroll Systems & Administration

• Serve as the primary administrator and subject matter expert for UKG Pro payroll processes and functionality.
• Maintain payroll, employee, and benefits data within payroll systems.
• Partner with vendors and payroll providers to troubleshoot issues and resolve discrepancies.
• Review tax notices and coordinate resolution efforts as needed.

Benefits & HR Partnership

• Validate benefit deductions, life event changes, and benefits-related payroll transactions.
• Collaborate closely with Human Resources to ensure data accuracy across payroll and benefits platforms.
• Support employee education regarding payroll processes, timekeeping requirements, and self-service tools.

Audits & Process Improvement

• Support internal and external audits by providing payroll documentation and analysis.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance payroll procedures, controls, and standard operating procedures.
• Analyze payroll trends, identify process inefficiencies, and recommend improvements.
• Continuously evaluate system functionality and opportunities to improve accuracy and efficiency.

Employee Support

• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related questions and concerns.
• Provide timely, professional, and confidential support to employees and managers.
• Resolve complex payroll issues while maintaining a high standard of customer service.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including substantial hands-on payroll processing responsibilities.
• Advanced experience using UKG Pro payroll systems.
• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, payroll taxation, and compliance requirements.
• Experience processing payroll for both hourly and salaried employee populations.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, reconciliation, and reporting.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• 10+ years of payroll, HR, or related operational experience.
• Experience supporting large, multi-location organizations.
• Strong understanding of benefits administration and payroll-related deductions.
• Experience managing payroll audits, tax reconciliations, and compliance reporting.
• Background working closely with HR, Finance, and Operations leadership.