Payroll Manager

Overview The Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all employees while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This role leads payroll operations, manages payroll specialists or vendors, resolves complex payroll issues, and partners closely with HR, Finance, and external agencies to ensure best-in-class payroll practices. Responsibilities Payroll Operations Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for hourly, salaried, and bonus compensation across multiple pay groups, states and systems Ensure accurate calculation of wages, overtime, differentials, deductions, garnishments, leave accruals and taxes Manage off-cycle payrolls, retroactive pay, and special payments as needed Compliance & Risk Management Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and reporting requirements Stay current on payroll legislation and regulatory changes; assess and implement required updates Oversee payroll tax filings, reconciliations, and year-end processes (W-2s, 1099s) Act as primary contact for payroll audits, tax notices, and government inquiries Leadership & Collaboration Lead, train, and develop payroll staff; provide coaching and performance management Partner with HR on new hires, terminations, benefits deductions, and leave programs (FMLA, paid leave, disability, workers’ comp) Collaborate with Finance on payroll funding, general ledger reconciliation, and budgeting Serve as payroll subject matter expert for leadership and internal stakeholders, specifically with all payroll-related projects Ensure proper system configuration during the due diligence phase of upcoming acquisitions to facilitate the seamless transition of new employee groups Systems & Process Improvement Maintain and optimize payroll systems and integrations (HRIS, timekeeping, benefits) Lead payroll system implementations, upgrades, or process improvements Develop and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and employee experience Employee Support Resolve escalated payroll issues and complex employee inquiries with professionalism and discretion Ensure payroll communications are clear, timely, and employee-focused Assist with training end-users on the system and processes Support responses with the UKG questions group Qualifications Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field (or equivalent experience) 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including multi-state payroll 3+ years of payroll leadership or supervisory experience Strong knowledge of payroll tax laws, wage and hour regulations, and compliance requirements Experience with payroll systems (e.g., UKG) High attention to detail and strong analytical skills Experience supporting large or complex organizations Proven experience processing payroll for multiple entities, primarily consisting of hourly employees. CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification (preferred) Skills & Competencies Strong leadership and coaching skills Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines High level of confidentiality and integrity Strong communication and stakeholder partnership skills Payroll Operations Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for hourly, salaried, and bonus compensation across multiple pay groups, states and systems Ensure accurate calculation of wages, overtime, differentials, deductions, garnishments, leave accruals and taxes Manage off-cycle payrolls, retroactive pay, and special payments as needed Compliance & Risk Management Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and reporting requirements Stay current on payroll legislation and regulatory changes; assess and implement required updates Oversee payroll tax filings, reconciliations, and year-end processes (W-2s, 1099s) Act as primary contact for payroll audits, tax notices, and government inquiries Leadership & Collaboration Lead, train, and develop payroll staff; provide coaching and performance management Partner with HR on new hires, terminations, benefits deductions, and leave programs (FMLA, paid leave, disability, workers' comp) Collaborate with Finance on payroll funding, general ledger reconciliation, and budgeting Serve as payroll subject matter expert for leadership and internal stakeholders, specifically with all payroll-related projects Ensure proper system configuration during the due diligence phase of upcoming acquisitions to facilitate the seamless transition of new employee groups Systems & Process Improvement Maintain and optimize payroll systems and integrations (HRIS, timekeeping, benefits) Lead payroll system implementations, upgrades, or process improvements Develop and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and employee experience Employee Support Resolve escalated payroll issues and complex employee inquiries with professionalism and discretion Ensure payroll communications are clear, timely, and employee-focused Assist with training end-users on the system and processes Support responses with the UKG questions group Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field (or equivalent experience) 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including multi-state payroll 3+ years of payroll leadership or supervisory experience Strong knowledge of payroll tax laws, wage and hour regulations, and compliance requirements Experience with payroll systems (e.g., UKG) High attention to detail and strong analytical skills Experience supporting large or complex organizations Proven experience processing payroll for multiple entities, primarily consisting of hourly employees. CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification (preferred) Skills & Competencies Strong leadership and coaching skills Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines High level of confidentiality and integrity Strong communication and stakeholder partnership skills