Senior Payroll Manager

Senior Payroll Manager

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

We are an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

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