Manager of Payroll

We’re looking for a Payroll Manager to oversee payroll operations for all Strivers. The Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the organization’s payroll operations to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time while maintaining compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll regulations This role leads the payroll administration function, supervises payroll staff, manages payroll systems, coordinates with People Operations and Finance, and ensures strong internal controls and confidentiality of employee data. This is a hands‑on role for someone who enjoys solving complex challenges with innovative, compliant, and efficient solutions At Strive, we believe payroll is more than just getting people paid—it is about building trust, ensuring fairness, and supporting our team. If you are excited about scaling systems, owning processes, and making a real impact, we would love to meet you! Payroll Processing Manage and oversee the bi‑weekly, multi‑state payroll process for 800+ employees, including regular payrolls, off‑cycle payments, bonuses, and special payments Ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll in accordance with company policies and applicable laws Review payroll data, calculations, deductions, earnings, and tax withholdings for accuracy Process and validate employee status changes including hires, terminations, promotions, transfers, and leaves of absence Ensure all hours, incentives, and pay are correctly entered and calculated in payroll management system Compliance & Tax Reporting Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations Oversee payroll tax registrations, filings, payments, and reconciliations in new and existing counties and states Manage year‑end payroll activities including W‑2 preparation and distribution Coordinate and support payroll‑related audits and government inquiries Stay informed of legislative and regulatory changes affecting payroll practices Payroll Systems & Controls Maintain payroll systems and ensure data integrity, security, and confidentiality Develop, implement, and monitor payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls Identify opportunities for process improvements and automation Partner with People Operations and Finance to optimize payroll‑related systems and processes Accounting & Reconciliation Reconcile payroll‑related general ledger accounts Prepare payroll journal entries and support monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close activities Analyze payroll reports and provide management with relevant payroll metrics and information Support budgeting and forecasting activities related to payroll expenses and workforce costs Leadership & Team Management Lead, train, develop, and evaluate payroll staff Establish performance goals and ensure high levels of customer service Serve as the primary escalation point for complex payroll issues and employee inquiries Partner with People Operations, Finance, and external vendors to resolve payroll‑related matters and ensure efficient processes Train employees and managers on payroll systems (e.g., time tracking, pay stub access) Support employee questions regarding pay, tax forms, and related topics Meet in person with internal and/or external stakeholders to facilitate team and business priorities/opportunities. Business travel may be required for opportunities to connect with stakeholders, serve patients, and attend Strive‑sponsored team events Benefits Health and Well‑Being: We care about your physical well‑being, so your insurance starts the day you join Strive. Medical, dental & Vision: We offer a variety of medical (HMO, PPO and HDHP) plans through United Healthcare and Kaiser, two dental plans and one comprehensive vision plan. Life & Supplemental Insurance: Strivers are provided 100% employer‑paid life insurance, short‑term disability and long‑term disability coverage as of your start date. Additional supplemental insurance, including accident, life and critical illness, are available. Flexibility and Time Off: Transformational work takes high performance. We believe Strivers perform better when they are fully charged, so we provide flexibility to support your inner well‑being. Hybrid‑Remote Work: Our hybrid‑remote approach ensures team members can work from home while collaborating in person when needed. Strive provides a full technology package and monthly technology reimbursement. Vacation Time: Full‑time, regularly scheduled Strivers can use vacation time for travel, relaxation or volunteering. Sick Time: Life happens, so we provide up to two weeks of paid time off annually for illness, medical care, caregiving responsibilities and other types of emergencies. Well‑Being Days: Annual Strive‑wide well‑being days off provide Strivers the opportunity to focus solely on their well‑being. Paid Holidays: Annual Strive‑wide holidays allow all Strivers to disconnect together to reflect and celebrate. Paid Leave: Our 12 weeks of paid birthgiving leave and four weeks of paid bonding leave start day one. We provide a four‑week paid sabbatical after five years to return recharged. In alignment to our mission, we offer a paid living donor leave if any Strivers choose to become a living donor. Retirement and Financial Planning: Strive provides a 401k with an employer match, access to the Best‑Interest Advice program and our financial planning tools, Empower and SoFi. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Strive is dedicated to promoting a sense of community and at work. We currently offer Parents/Guardians/Caregivers, Strive Forward (LGBTQIA+), Underrepresented Minorities and Women & Allies ERGs. Mental Health Platforms & Employee Assistance Programs: Strivers have access to Headspace Care through Kaiser, Calm Health through both medical carriers and a full‑service Employee Assistance Program. Family‑Forming Support: Strive partners with Maven Maternity through UHC. Strivers enrolled in UHC gain access to Maven’s virtual platform designed to support women’s and family health. Maven provides personalized, on‑demand guidance for navigating family‑building, pregnancy, postpartum and parenting journeys. Strivers enrolled in Kaiser will still have access to their Birth‑Giving Support Program that includes prenatal care, labor and delivery support, postpartum and newborn care and additional services. Professional Development: Strive supports growth through annual professional development reimbursements, paid time off for clinical licensure requirements and tuition discounts through CSU Global. Employee Discounts: Strive offers Fetch for pet insurance since we know that your pets are part of your family. Strivers also enjoy PerkSpot for product discounts such as gyms and daycares near you, electronics, hotels and more. The best part? PerkSpot is customizable to your interests. Qualifications Strong knowledge of payroll laws, taxes, and compliance standards Ability to travel and be on‑site to meet business needs Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and payroll reporting tools 2+ years of ERP experience such as NetSuite or Sage Intacct 8+ years combined of related education and progressive payroll experience 3+ years of experience managing multi‑state payroll 2+ years of payroll leadership or supervisory experience Internet Connectivity - Min Speeds: 3.8Mbps/3.0Mbps (up/down): Latency 3+ years of experience with payroll management systems such as Rippling, ADP, or similar platforms SHRM-CP, Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) Experience with Rippling Workforce Management System Experience with Netsuite ERP Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, wage and hour requirements, and compliance standards Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and organizational skills Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines Excellent communication and customer service skills Adept at staying cool under pressure and thrive on bringing order to chaos Ability to manage confidential information with discretion Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy Please apply even if you feel you do not meet all qualifications #J-18808-Ljbffr