Payroll Manager

Position Summary Momentum Youth Brands is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to own the end-to-end payroll function as a hands-on individual contributor. This role is responsible for accurate, timely, and compliant multi-state payroll processing through our HRIS-integrated payroll platform, including tax filings, benefits deductions, and payroll accounting. The ideal candidate brings deep U.S. multi-state payroll and tax expertise, strong controls discipline, and the ability to partner closely with HR, Benefits, Accounting, and brand/business unit teams to support the company's continued growth. Key Responsibilities Own and execute end-to-end payroll processing for all U.S. employees (salaried, hourly, and commissioned / bonused) across multiple states, on bi-weekly cycle Administer payroll within the HRIS-integrated payroll platform (e.g., Rippling, Workday, UKG, Paylocity); maintain pay codes, earnings/deduction setups, and system configurations Process payroll for terminations (including state-specific final pay requirements), off-cycle payments, bonuses, commissions, and retro adjustments Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, including overtime, minimum wage, paid sick leave, and pay transparency requirements Manage multi-state payroll tax compliance: state and local withholding setups, unemployment (SUI) registrations, reciprocity agreements, and remote-employee nexus Oversee quarterly and annual payroll tax filings (Forms 941, 940, state equivalents) and year-end W-2/W-2c processing; resolve tax agency notices Reconcile benefits and 401(k) deductions with HR/Benefits and third-party administrators; ensure timely remittance of deductions and garnishments Maintain and enforce internal controls over payroll, including segregation of duties, pre- and post-payroll audits, change approvals, and fraud prevention Prepare payroll journal entries, accruals, and balance sheet reconciliations (payroll liabilities, tax, and benefits accounts) to support month-end close Partner with HR on data integrity between HRIS and payroll, including compensation changes, PTO accruals, and employee records Serve as the escalation point for employee payroll inquiries; respond promptly and confidentially Prepare payroll metrics, labor cost analyses, and reports for Finance and senior management Support internal and external audits, 401(k) plan audits, and workers' compensation audits Identify and lead process improvements and automation opportunities within the payroll and time-and-attendance systems Maintain payroll policies, procedures, and process documentation Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field, or equivalent experience 6+ years of progressive U.S. payroll experience, including 3+ years owning multi-state payroll end to end Strong working knowledge of FLSA, federal/state/local payroll tax regulations, and multi-state withholding and unemployment rules Hands-on experience administering payroll in an HRIS-integrated platform (e.g., Rippling, Workday, UKG, Paylocity, ADP Workforce Now) Working knowledge of payroll accounting: journal entries, accruals, and liability reconciliations Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, reconciliations) High attention to detail, sound judgment, and strict discretion with confidential information Ability to work independently, meet fixed deadlines, and communicate clearly with employees, HR, and brand/business unit stakeholders Preferred Qualifications Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) Experience implementing or migrating payroll/HRIS systems Experience with time-and-attendance systems and commission/incentive pay calculations Prior experience supporting audits and SOX compliance Experience in consumer service or a multi-brand environment