Payroll Manager

The Payroll Manager will oversee the organization's multi-state payroll operations, ensuring employees are paid accurately, timely, and in compliance with applicable federal and state regulations.

This position will lead the payroll team, serve as a subject matter expert on payroll matters, resolve escalated issues, and partner closely with Human Resources, Accounting, Operations, and leadership. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical payroll knowledge, excellent judgment, and a continuous-improvement mindset.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for multiple entities and locations across several states.

• Manage weekly, biweekly, and semi-monthly payroll cycles while ensuring accuracy and timely completion.

• Oversee payroll calculations for hourly and salaried employees, commissions, bonuses, incentives, and production-based compensation.

• Lead, coach, train, and develop payroll team members while establishing appropriate workload distribution and coverage.

• Establish cross-training procedures and business continuity plans for the payroll function.

• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex payroll questions, discrepancies, and employee concerns.

• Research payroll issues, determine appropriate resolutions, and communicate recommendations to leadership when necessary.

• Develop, maintain, and administer employee compensation and pay plans in accordance with established guidelines and applicable regulations.

• Partner with Human Resources, Accounting, and Operations to improve payroll processes, calculations, reporting, and communication.

• Provide guidance regarding wage and hour requirements, payroll practices, and applicable federal and state regulations.

• Maintain compliance with wage garnishments, tax levies, child support orders, and other legally required deductions.

• Oversee payroll tax reconciliations, audits, year-end activities, W-2 processing, and related reporting requirements.

• Prepare recurring compensation and payroll reports for management and executive leadership.

• Develop and implement quality control procedures to improve payroll accuracy and reduce errors.

• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and establish consistent payroll procedures across the organization.

• Maintain accurate payroll documentation, procedures, and records.

• Support payroll system enhancements, implementations, integrations, and process improvements.

• Assist with special projects, reporting requests, audits, and other payroll-related initiatives as needed.

Requirements:

• Experience working in a high-volume, fast-paced payroll environment.

• Strong knowledge of federal and state wage and hour regulations.

• Experience working with multiple payroll systems and supporting system implementations or upgrades.

• 8–10 years of progressive payroll experience, including significant multi-state and multi-entity payroll responsibility.

• 8–10 years of experience managing or leading payroll operations.

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation.

• Experience managing payroll within a multi-location or multi-state organization.

• Previous experience in the automotive, retail, service, or similarly complex operating environment.

• Experience working with enterprise payroll, HRIS, or workforce management systems.

• Experience with dealership management or industry-specific systems is a plus.

• Understanding of payroll processes within an HR and shared-services environment.

• Experience developing and documenting compensation or pay plans.

• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

• Ability to work closely with Accounting to ensure accurate payroll calculations, reconciliations, and reporting.

• Strong understanding of payroll compliance, taxation, deductions, and reporting requirements.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of an organization.

• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and follow-through.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

•• Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and employee development skills.

• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet strict payroll deadlines.

• Strong customer service mindset with the ability to resolve employee and management concerns professionally.

• Ability to interpret regulations, analyze payroll data, and make sound decisions.

• Ability to adapt to changing processes, systems, and business requirements.