Manager, Payroll Systems & Special Projects

POSITION OVERVIEW Leads payroll systems operations, process improvement initiatives, operational analytics, and special payroll projects to ensure efficient, compliant, and scalable payroll delivery. Serves as the operational owner for payroll systems support, issue prioritization, testing coordination, and continuous improvement initiatives impacting U.S. and Canadian payroll operations. Partners closely with Payroll Operations, Payroll IT, HRIS, Finance, and external vendors to drive system functionality, operational effectiveness, compliance, and service delivery. Manages payroll-related projects, operational enhancements, and cross-functional initiatives while providing leadership and technical expertise in complex payroll environments, union requirements, and evolving business needs. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Payroll Systems Support & Functional SME Serve as the functional owner and subject matter expert for payroll systems, interfaces, and operational processes. Partner with Payroll IT to prioritize configuration reviews, issue resolution, system enhancements, and operational support activities. Ensure payroll system configuration and processes align with operational requirements, compliance standards, collective bargaining agreements, and business needs. Establish and maintain operational procedures, documentation standards, and governance practices supporting payroll system effectiveness. Payroll Systems Projects & Enhancements Lead payroll system implementations, upgrades, automation initiatives, and operational improvement projects. Manage project execution, timelines, resource coordination, testing activities, risk mitigation, and stakeholder communications. Lead cross-functional efforts to identify and implement process efficiencies, automation opportunities, and operational improvements. Develop and execute project plans, operational roadmaps, and implementation strategies supporting payroll objectives. Operational Support & Issue Resolution Lead resolution of complex payroll system, interface, and operational issues impacting payroll delivery. Research and analyze payroll discrepancies, system defects, and operational escalations. Partner with Payroll Operations and IT leadership to identify root causes, establish corrective actions, and implement sustainable solutions. Prioritize operational issues and enhancement requests to balance compliance, business needs, and payroll service delivery requirements. Testing, Data Integrity & Change Management Oversee payroll testing activities including UAT, regression testing, parallel testing, and implementation readiness assessments. Validate payroll data integrity and audit controls related to system changes. Lead change management activities, stakeholder communications, and operational readiness efforts related to system updates and process changes. Establish testing standards and validation procedures to ensure payroll accuracy and regulatory compliance. Reporting, Analytics & Process Optimization Analyze payroll system and operational data to identify trends, operational risks, compliance concerns, and improvement opportunities. Develop operational reporting, dashboards, performance metrics, and business insights to support leadership decision-making and operational planning. Lead initiatives focused on automation, standardization, operational efficiency, and service delivery improvements. Manage audit support activities, compliance reporting requirements, and operational analysis initiatives. Recommend and implement enhancements to payroll systems procedures, operational controls, and workflow standards to improve efficiency, compliance, and scalability. Leadership & Team Development Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and work prioritization for payroll systems support resources and project team members. Support employee development, performance management, and knowledge-sharing initiatives within the Payroll organization. Coordinate work across internal resources, external vendors, and project teams to ensure successful execution of payroll initiatives. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and customer service. QUALIFICATIONS Education, Specialized Knowledge and Skills Experience supporting payroll systems in complex, multi-jurisdiction payroll environments Knowledge of payroll operations, payroll compliance, and payroll processing workflows Experience with payroll system implementations, upgrades, testing, and integrations Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving capabilities Experience with payroll reporting, operational analytics, and process improvement initiatives Ability to manage multiple projects and operational priorities simultaneously Strong partnership and communication skills across Payroll, HR, IT, Finance, and vendor teams Experience supporting union payroll environments and complex pay rules preferred Knowledge of payroll platforms such as UKG Pro, Workday, SAP, Dayforce, or Infor preferred Required Experience: 5 years of U.S. payroll experience, including multi-state processing. 5+ year of Canadian payroll experience 5 years of data analytics and reporting 3 years of project coordination or project management 3 years of team leadership and people management Preferred 7+ years of U.S. and Canadian payroll experience including multi-state / multi-province processing Project management experience and/or PMP Entertainment industry experience and understanding on highly unionized organizations with complex collective bargaining agreements (CBA) 5-7 years experience with UKG Pro 5 years experience with Infor WFM 5 years experience with Workday What You Bring A proactive, solution-oriented mindset with a passion for process excellence. Ability to handle confidential information with discretion. Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach to coaching and leadership. A commitment to continuous learning and development—for yourself and others. The anticipated base salary for this position is $97,600 - $122,000. This role may also qualify for annual incentive and/or comprehensive benefits. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location of the position. Sony Pictures Entertainment is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics. SPE will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with applicable law. Sony Pictures does not allow audio recording, video recording or use of AI note-taking tools during interviews. Please be aware these tools may be enabled as a default and can be difficult to disable once the interview has started, so we recommend you check your device and disable these tools prior to the start of your interview. If recording or the use of the tools occurs during the interview and cannot be promptly turned off or disabled, the interviewer may end the interview. To request an accommodation for purposes of participating in the hiring process, you may contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io. Hi, we’re Sony Pictures Entertainment We are in the business of creativity … making some of the most beloved film and television of all time for every platform in the world. As the most creative and proudly independent studio, our future is boundless. 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