Payroll Manager

Description Description & Requirements The Federal Tax Specialty practice brings a forward-thinking approach to strategic tax advisory, offering tailored solutions that go far beyond compliance. With deep expertise in federal tax law, they deliver value-driven planning, proactive risk management, and innovative strategies aligned with each client's objectives. Their multidisciplinary approach empowers businesses to optimize tax positions, manage costs effectively, and capitalize on growth opportunities. We are seeking a Manager to join our Payroll & Employment Tax Services team. This individual will play a key role in managing payroll tax engagements, overseeing day to day project execution, and serving as a primary point of contact for clients on payroll and employment tax matters. What You Will Do Lead and manage multi state payroll tax and employment tax projects for corporate and private equity-backed clients, from planning through delivery. Oversee reviews of payroll processes, HRIS/payroll system configurations, and tax filing workflows to identify compliance gaps, control weaknesses, and opportunities for process improvement. Assess federal, state, and local employment tax compliance (including income tax withholding, FICA/FUTA, SUTA, and local payroll taxes) and recommend practical remediation steps. Direct the preparation, review, and reconciliation of payroll tax returns, amended filings, and related schedules (e.g., Forms 941/940, W 2/W 3, 1099, and state/local returns). Manage client payroll tax registrations, account maintenance, and closures, including state unemployment insurance rate analyses and experience transfers. Lead diagnostic reviews related to executive compensation, fringe benefits, equity awards, and special payments (e.g., bonuses, severance, nonqualified plans) to evaluate employment tax treatment and reporting. Support clients with payroll and employment tax implications of transactions and organizational changes, including mergers, acquisitions, spin offs, and payroll/HRIS implementations or conversions. Uncover and pursue employment tax refunds, overpayments, and available credits arising from corporate transactions, restructurings, or historical filing errors. Represent clients in federal, state, and local payroll tax audits and inquiries, including issue analysis, documentation support, and audit response coordination, issue resolution, and appeals support. Draft clear, concise technical memoranda, findings reports, and client correspondence on payroll and employment tax issues. Monitor legislative and regulatory developments impacting payroll and employment taxes and communicate relevant updates to clients and internal stakeholders. Supervise, mentor, and develop staff on engagements, including workplan development, on the job training, and constructive feedback. Collaborate with other Forvis Mazars tax, advisory, and audit teams to deliver coordinated services and integrated client solutions. Contribute to practice growth through participation in proposals, presentations, thought leadership, and other business development activities. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field required Current and valid CPA, CPP, or JD/LL.M. (Tax) 4.5+ years of experience in employment tax, payroll tax, or compensation and benefits, ideally within a public accounting, consulting, or complex corporate environment Proficiency with MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); experience with major payroll/HRIS platforms and payroll tax software strongly preferred Preferred Qualifications Experience in a Big 4, national public accounting firm, or employment tax specialty practice strongly preferred Strong technical knowledge of federal, state, and local employment tax rules, payroll reporting requirements, and year end processes Proven project management skills with the ability to manage multiple engagements, prioritize competing deadlines, and coordinate cross functional teams Familiarity with AI-assisted tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, etc.) a plus Willingness to travel, as needed, to support client engagements and firm initiatives About Forvis Mazars, LLP Forvis Mazars, LLP is an independent member of Forvis Mazars Global, a leading global professional services network. Ranked among the largest public accounting firms in the United States, our 7,000+ team members deliver assurance, tax, and consulting services to clients in all 50 states and internationally. With a legacy spanning more than 100 years, we are guided by a shared promise: Together, we create extraordinary experiences. That means delivering an Unmatched Client Experience® while creating a workplace where relationships matter, learning fuels growth, and every person feels valued and supported to thrive. What We Offer Our robust total rewards program and flexible work environment reflect our commitment to people, careers, and well-being-empowering our team to grow and thrive while delivering exceptional service. To explore what makes working at Forvis Mazars special, visit Legal Notice Forvis Mazars, LLP is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer in accordance with applicable law. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity, or other protected classifications. It is Forvis Mazars, LLP standard policy not to accept unsolicited referrals or resumes from any source other than directly from candidates. Forvis Mazars, LLP expressly reserves the right not to consider any unsolicited referrals, resumes or CVs from vendors including and without limitation, search firms, staffing agencies, fee-based referral services, and recruiting agencies. Forvis Mazars, LLP further reserves the right not to pay a fee to a recruiter or recruiting agency unless such recruiter or recruiting agency has a signed vendor agreement with Forvis Mazars, LLP. Any resume(s) or CV(s) submitted to anyone working for Forvis Mazars, LLP, or submitted to a Forvis Mazars, LLP general email, without having a Forvis Mazars, LLP vendor agreement in place, will be considered the property of Forvis Mazars, LLP. Illinois Wage Transparency Pursuant to Illinois' Equal Pay Act, the salary range displayed is for the Illinois market. The salary for this role will be based on the experience, education, and skill set of the individual for the position. Non-exempt/hourly positions will be eligible for time and half pay for employees that work over 40 hours in a workweek. Benefits are eligibility-based and could include group health plan benefits, 401(K), bonuses, profit-sharing contributions, flexible time off, and parental leave. For more information on benefits, please visit Forvis Mazars reserves the right to make changes to the salary range based on business needs. IL Minimum Salary (USD) $ 119500 IL Maximum Salary (USD) $ 199100 #J-18808-Ljbffr