HRIS and Payroll Manager

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The HRIS/Payroll Manager provides functional leadership for the organization’s HR technology, payroll operations, data governance, and related process improvement initiatives. This role owns the day-to-day administration, optimization, compliance, and performance of HRIS and payroll processes, ensuring systems and practices support business needs, accurate employee data, timely payroll processing, and effective reporting for HR, Finance, and leadership stakeholders.

The position is accountable for managing bi-weekly payroll, overseeing payroll controls and compliance, leading vendor and cross-functional partnerships, and guiding HRIS enhancements that automate work, improve data integrity, and strengthen the employee and manager experience. This role operates as a functional manager, setting priorities, coordinating resources, resolving escalated issues, and advising stakeholders on system and payroll capabilities, risks, and improvements.

HRIS Functional Management Responsibilities (50%):

• Provide functional leadership for HRIS strategy, administration, configuration, optimization, and support across HR, payroll, benefits, timekeeping, onboarding, performance management, employee self-service, and related modules.
• Own the HRIS roadmap in partnership with HR, IT, Finance, vendors, and business stakeholders; assess system capabilities, prioritize enhancements, and translate business requirements into effective system solutions.
• Lead system upgrades, testing, workflow design, security role review, data audits, integrations, and change management activities to ensure stable, compliant, and efficient operations.
• Establish and maintain data governance practices, standard operating procedures, audit controls, and reporting standards that protect confidentiality, information security, and data integrity.
• Manage escalated HRIS issues, determine root cause, coordinate resolution with IT or vendors, communicate status to stakeholders, and ensure timely closure of outstanding items.
• Develop, deliver, or oversee HRIS reporting, dashboards, analytics, and data extracts to support HR, Finance, compliance, workforce planning, and management decision-making.
• Serve as the functional owner for vendor relationships, recurring system meetings, issue tracking, service performance, and implementation or enhancement planning.
  
  

Payroll Functional Management Responsibilities (50%):

• Manage accurate and timely bi-weekly payroll processing using Workday, including payroll calendars, controls, approvals, exception review, and final validation.
• Oversee payroll operations and related processes, including time records, wage calculations, deductions, earnings, manual checks, termination checks, garnishments, employee purchases, and payroll-related general ledger reconciliation.
• Interpret company policies, wage and hour requirements, payroll tax rules, and applicable federal and state regulations; ensure payroll practices, reporting, and documentation remain compliant.
• Review, approve, and maintain payroll reports, quarterly payroll returns, workers’ compensation reporting, state reporting requirements, and payroll information requested by Accounting, Finance, HR, or managers.
• Lead payroll issue resolution by researching escalated employee or manager questions, identifying root causes, coordinating corrective actions, and communicating timely responses.
• Maintain payroll controls, audit trails, standard operating procedures, and cross-training materials to support continuity, accuracy, confidentiality, and process consistency.
• Partner with HR, Finance, IT, managers, and vendors to implement payroll process improvements, system enhancements, integrations, and automation that reduce manual work and improve service delivery.
• Provide functional direction, prioritization, and subject matter guidance to team members, project participants, or temporary support resources involved in HRIS and payroll work; perform other necessary duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

List minimum requirements to be considered for this position:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration or related field; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• 5-7 years of recent payroll experience, including ownership of payroll processing, controls, compliance, reporting, reconciliations, and escalated issue resolution.
• Demonstrated experience managing payroll operations, coordinating work across HR, Finance, Accounting, IT, managers, employees, and vendors, and ensuring on-time delivery of payroll deadlines.
• In-depth knowledge of payroll tax, wage and hour laws, payroll accounting principles, garnishments, termination pay requirements, and related state and federal reporting obligations required.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred.
• Experience with Workday for Payroll/HRIS functions preferred.
• Experience in a Human Resources department, preferably in a manufacturing or engineering environment, with working knowledge across HR disciplines and employee lifecycle processes.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Excel, Outlook, and Word; excellent analytical, reconciliation, and problem-solving skills required.
• Strong service orientation and interpersonal skills with the ability to handle sensitive payroll matters professionally and confidentially.
• Reliable, punctual, well organized, and able to provide functional direction while maintaining strong attention to detail, follow-through, and collaborative partnership.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration or related field; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• 5-7 years of recent payroll experience, including ownership of payroll processing, controls, compliance, reporting, reconciliations, and escalated issue resolution.
• Demonstrated experience managing payroll operations, coordinating work across HR, Finance, Accounting, IT, managers, employees, and vendors, and ensuring on-time delivery of payroll deadlines.
• In-depth knowledge of payroll tax, wage and hour laws, payroll accounting principles, garnishments, termination pay requirements, and related state and federal reporting obligations required.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred.
• Experience with Workday for Payroll/HRIS functions preferred.
• Experience in a Human Resources department, preferably in a manufacturing or engineering environment, with working knowledge across HR disciplines and employee lifecycle processes.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Excel, Outlook, and Word; excellent analytical, reconciliation, and problem-solving skills required.
• Strong service orientation and interpersonal skills with the ability to handle sensitive payroll matters professionally and confidentially.
• Reliable, punctual, well organized, and able to provide functional direction while maintaining strong attention to detail, follow-through, and collaborative partnership.