Ralph Lauren Manager, Payroll Tax and Reporting

Company Description

Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL) is a global leader in the design, marketing and distribution of premium lifestyle products in five categories: apparel, accessories, home, fragrances, and hospitality. For more than 50 years, Ralph Lauren's reputation and distinctive image have been consistently developed across an expanding number of products, brands and international markets. The Company's brand names, which include Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Collection, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Polo Ralph Lauren, Double RL, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren Children, Chaps, among others, constitute one of the world's most widely recognized families of consumer brands. At Ralph Lauren, we unite and inspire the communities within our company as well as those in which we serve by amplifying voices and perspectives to create a culture of belonging, ensuring inclusion, and fairness for all. We foster a culture of inclusion through: Talent, Education & Communication, Employee Groups and Celebration.

Position Overview

The Manager, North America Payroll Tax and Reporting oversees accurate, timely, and compliant payroll tax reporting and general ledger (GL) reconciliations across federal, state, provincial, and local jurisdictions. This role serves as the primary point of contact for internal/external audits and partners with Payroll, Corporate Accounting, Finance, and HR to maintain strong internal controls. The Manager leads a team to resolve complex tax matters, including equity compensation and multi-country (US/Canada) statutory reporting.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Payroll Tax Compliance & Reporting

• Tax Filing: Oversee the timely filing and payment of all payroll tax obligations, including quarterly and annual filings:
• United States: Forms 941 (Quarterly Federal Tax Return), 940 (FUTA), W-2, W-3, and state/local equivalents.
• Canada: T4 slips (Statement of Remuneration Paid) and T4 Summaries, T4A slips, and PD7A (CRA Payroll Remittance).
• Regulatory Oversight: Monitor legislative changes impacting North American payroll; research laws and regulations to ensure system configurations for earnings and deductions remain compliant.
• Year-End Management: Lead year-end reporting for non-cash compensation, relocation, and supplemental wages, ensuring all records remain in balance (gross to net).
• Agency Liaison: Manage correspondence with taxing authorities and third-party vendors (e.g., ADP, Equifax) to resolve notices and inquiries.
• Compliance Programs: Oversee unemployment claims, garnishment compliance, and the tracking/reconciliation of unclaimed wages for the U.S. and Canada. Equity & Supplemental Compensation
• Equity Taxation: Validate tax withholding and reporting for vested equity (RSUs, stock options) across all applicable jurisdictions.
• Blended Rates: Oversee the methodology, calculation, and reconciliation of blended payroll tax rates for equity and supplemental wages.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaborate with Stock Administration and Finance to ensure equity data flows accurately into the payroll subledger and GL. GL Accounting & Reconciliations
• Account Reconciliation: Oversee monthly reconciliation of PR general ledger accounts, including tax liabilities, withholding, and assigned balance sheet accounts.
• Integrity Checks: Reconcile 941s to the GL and W-2s/T4s; prepare quarterly analysis of tax funding versus actual liabilities.
• Discrepancy Resolution: Investigate and resolve variances between the payroll subledger and GL; process tax filing adjustments (W-2C/T4C) when necessary.
• Metrics: Produce quarterly payroll metrics and respond to management inquiries regarding GL activity and reclassifications. Audits, Controls & Leadership
• Audit Management: Lead payroll tax audits; prepare schedules and maintain audit-ready documentation for SOX and internal control testing.
• Process Improvement: Identify control gaps, drive continuous improvement in tax workflows, and lead special corporate initiatives/system upgrades.
• Team Development: Coach and mentor direct reports to optimize operational excellence and build a deep talent bench.
• Operational Support: Serve as the functional back-up to the Payroll Manager.
  
  

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• Experience: 7 years of progressive payroll tax/accounting experience, specifically supporting large-scale environments (5,000-10,000 employees).
• Leadership: 3-5 years of direct experience managing and coaching a professional team.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep expertise in U.S. and Canadian payroll tax regulations, multi-state compliance, and PR general ledger reconciliations.
• Systems: Proficiency in advanced Excel (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables) and experience with third-party payroll providers (e.g., ADP).
• Skills: Detail-oriented with the ability to analyze complex problems and provide sustainable solutions under tight deadlines.
• Certification: CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or similar designation.
• Specialized Experience: Hands-on experience with equity compensation (RSUs/Options) and blended rate methodologies.
• Compliance: Strong background in SOX compliance and internal audit controls.