Summary
The Senior Manager, Payroll is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of payroll operations across multiple states. This role ensures accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing while leading a high-performing payroll team. The Senior Manager partners closely with HR, Finance, and Benefits teams to deliver best-in-class payroll services and continuously improve payroll processes and systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee end-to-end payroll processing for a multi-state workforce, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- Manage, coach, and develop a payroll team, providing leadership, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities.
- Ensure accurate calculation and reconciliation of wages, bonuses, commissions, taxes, garnishments, and other payroll-related items.
- Oversee benefit deductions including health insurance, retirement plans, voluntary benefits, and other employee deductions.
- Act as a subject matter expert for payroll-related inquiries, benefits deductions, and general payroll policies.
- Collaborate with Human Resources, Finance, and Benefits teams to ensure alignment and data accuracy across systems.
- Manage payroll audits, internal controls, and compliance reporting; resolve discrepancies and recommend corrective actions.
- Lead or support payroll system implementations, upgrades, and integrations; maintain expertise across multiple payroll systems.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance payroll accuracy, efficiency, and employee experience.
- Ensure adherence to company policies, SOX controls (if applicable), and data confidentiality standards.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 8 years of payroll experience, including hands-on multi-state payroll processing.
- Minimum of 3 years of supervisory or managerial experience leading payroll or related teams.
- Demonstrated experience working with multiple payroll systems in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong knowledge of payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and payroll compliance requirements.
- Proven ability to manage complex payroll operations with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (preferred).
- Strong working knowledge of benefit deductions and general employee benefits administration.
- Experience supporting payroll for organizations with employees across multiple states.
- Payroll certifications (e.g., CPP, FPC) are a plus.
Key Competencies
- Leadership and people management
- Payroll compliance and risk management
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Process improvement mindset
- Strong communication and stakeholder collaboration
- Ability to manage deadlines and competing priorities
Work Environment
This position follows a hybrid work model, balancing on-site collaboration with remote work flexibility based on business needs and team expectations.