Payroll Operations Manager

Position Summary The Payroll Operations Manager plays a critical role in supporting a rapidly growing organization by leading accurate, compliant, and scalable payroll operations across a complex, multi-state workforce. This role is ideal for an experienced payroll professional who thrives in dynamic environments and is motivated by building best-in-class payroll, timekeeping, and compliance processes that can grow with the business. As the organization continues to expand through organic growth and acquisitions, this position offers meaningful opportunities for professional development, increased scope, and leadership advancement. The Payroll Operations Manager serves as a key partner to Treasury, Accounting, HR, and Operations, ensuring payroll excellence while delivering a high level of service, accuracy, and regulatory compliance for employees across the organization. Payroll, Garnishments, Funding, Time & Scheduling Administer all garnishments and levies in compliance with federal and state regulations, in partnership with OSV. Monitor new garnishment orders through first payroll to ensure accurate setup. Process bi-weekly payroll for all employees accurately and on time. Research and resolve employee payroll inquiries. Maintain accurate worker costing allocations and state‑mandated SUI reporting. Manage payroll inbox requests in Workday to meet payroll deadlines. Partner with Treasury to ensure accurate and timely payroll funding. Collaborate with Accounting on GL questions, new earnings/deductions, and payroll research. Manage leave of absence pay processing, including PTO, STD, salaried and hourly prorations. Oversee Timekeeping and Scheduling in Workday, assisting managers with corrections and approvals. Stay current on federal, state, and local legislative changes impacting payroll and pay practices. Work collaboratively with a co‑manager to execute bi‑weekly payroll processes. Absence & Time Off Research and resolve employee time‑off inquiries. Maintain service dates for vacation accruals and adjust balances as needed. Ensure accurate transition of plans and balances for employees transferring locations or plans. Reporting & Auditing Own payroll, time, and absence audits and reporting requirements. Ensure timely and accurate DOL reporting across all states. Provide payroll reporting to Operations, Accounting, and Treasury. Support ad hoc reporting and data analysis to troubleshoot payroll, tax, time, and absence issues. Provide reporting support for audits including 401(k), benefits, and workers’ compensation. Vendor Management & Timeclocks Serve as primary liaison with OSV for payroll, garnishments, treasury, and fulfillment. Hold vendors accountable to SLAs and service expectations. Troubleshoot timeclock and software issues in partnership with pharmacy leadership and vendors. Review and process vendor invoicing as applicable. Pharmacy Acquisitions Research and set up payroll taxes for new states and localities in Workday, OSV, and tax entities. Coordinate ordering, set‑up, and deployment of time clocks for new locations. Ensure carryover PTO and prior benefit payments are processed accurately during go‑live. Quarter‑End & Year‑End Processing Ensure quarterly payroll is accurate and reconciled prior to close. Manage year‑end payroll activities, including W‑2 processing in partnership with OSV. Ensure W‑2s are issued timely and accurately to employees and regulatory agencies. Research and process W‑2 corrections (W‑2Cs) as needed. Partner with Accounting and Treasury to finalize GL and payroll payments. Systems Report HCM issues to the Workday HCM team. Manage Time, Pay, and Absence modules in Workday, including annual calendar set‑up. Partner with Accounting on forward accrual configurations. Education & Certifications High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree preferred. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) required. Skills & Qualifications 10+ years of payroll administration experience; HR experience a plus. Workday payroll experience preferred (comparable enterprise system required). Multi‑state payroll experience across 10+ states required. Experience processing payroll for 2,500+ employees. Public company (SOX) experience preferred. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills required. Exceptional attention to detail with a high level of accuracy. Proven ability to problem‑solve independently and meet strict deadlines. Strong communication and customer service skills, including executive‑level communication. Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, collaborative, multi‑priority environment. What We Offer Guardian provides employees with a comprehensive Total Rewards package, supporting our core value of, "Treat others as you would like to be treated." Compensation & Financial Competitive pay 401(k) with company match Family, Health & Insurance Benefits (Full‑time employees working 30+ hours/week only) Medical, Dental and Vision Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts Company‑paid Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Company‑paid Long‑Term Disability and optional Short‑Term Disability Voluntary Employee and Dependent Life, Accident and Critical Illness Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts Wellbeing Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Guardian Angels (Employee assistance fund) Time Off Paid holidays and sick days Generous vacation benefits based on years of service #J-18808-Ljbffr