Payroll Manager

Payroll ManagerSparks Group has partnered with a renowned local regional government authority, seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to manage end-to-end bi-weekly payroll processing while supporting payroll accounting, tax compliance, year-end reporting, and payroll systems administration. This role will work closely with Human Resources, Accounts Payable, Finance, employees, auditors, and external agencies to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations. If you are looking for the next step in your career, apply now!Key ResponsibilitiesProcess bi-weekly payroll for full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees, including validating timekeeping records, processing earnings and deductions, managing direct deposits and manual checks, and resolving payroll adjustments or corrections.Perform payroll accounting activities, including preparing journal entries, reconciling payroll registers and subledger balances to the general ledger, and managing month-end and year-end payroll accruals.Manage payroll tax compliance and reporting, including federal, state, and local tax filings, quarterly Forms 941, Virginia employment and withholding filings, tax deposits, and required remittances.Oversee year-end payroll reporting, including W-2/W-3 preparation and distribution, state year-end filings, annual reconciliations, and payroll year-end roll-forward activities.Administer payroll systems and support continuous improvement, maintaining payroll configurations and coordinating interfaces between UKG Timekeeping and Microsoft Dynamics GP while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, controls, and accuracy.Key RequirementsBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, with 5+ years of progressively responsible payroll experience handling full-cycle payroll processing.Strong knowledge of payroll accounting, payroll tax compliance, journal entries, account reconciliations, and federal and state payroll tax filings, including knowledge of Virginia payroll regulations.Experience with integrated payroll and accounting/ERP systems, with Microsoft Dynamics GP Payroll strongly preferred; experience with UKG Timekeeping and Payroll is a plus.Advanced Microsoft Excel skills with strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication abilities; experience supporting large, seasonal, or hourly workforces is preferred.Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality and internal controls while collaborating effectively with HR, Finance, employees, auditors, government agencies, and external vendors; CPP certification and public-sector/governmental payroll experience are preferred.