Senior Payroll Manager

Senior Payroll Manager | Workday SME | Multi-State Payroll

Location: South Florida (onsite; potential for some flexibility after ramp-up)

Job Summary:

Join a leader in the industry with a growing footprint nationwide as a Payroll Manager and Workday Payroll SME. We are seeking an experienced payroll professional to lead multi-state payroll operations, ensure accurate and compliant payroll processing, and optimize payroll systems and processes. You will also mentor a payroll team and serve as the organization’s Workday Payroll expert.

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll Operations

• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for all employees using Workday, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Manage payroll adjustments including bonuses, overtime, deductions, terminations, and retroactive changes.
• Lead year-end processes (W-2s, filings, reconciliations) and support audits.
• Reconcile payroll accounts and collaborate with Finance on general ledger reporting.

Workday HRIS / System Expertise

• Serve as the Workday Payroll SME — troubleshoot issues, configure payroll processes, generate reports, and support system enhancements.
• Maintain accurate system data, reporting structures, benefits elections, and timekeeping/payroll integrations.
• Partner with HR, IT, and external providers for updates or new system features.

Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise, mentor, and develop payroll team members, providing guidance, training, and performance feedback.
• Support process improvement initiatives to enhance controls and efficiency.
• Ensure payroll policies and documentation are current, clear, and compliant.

Compliance & Controls

• Ensure payroll processing is compliant with federal, state, and internal control standards (including SOX where applicable).
• Respond to internal and external audits, maintaining accurate documentation.
• Manage payroll tax filings and coordinate with external vendors as needed.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, Business Administration, or related field (preferred).
• 3–7 years payroll experience with a strong focus on Workday Payroll and HRIS systems.
• Experience managing payroll for multi-state or multi-country organizations.
• Prior leadership experience managing a payroll team.

Technical Skills

• Extensive Workday Payroll expertise including troubleshooting, reporting, and system enhancements.
• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, tax compliance, and multi-state payroll processing.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and reporting tools.
• CPP, CPM, or similar payroll certifications preferred but not required.

Soft Skills

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.
• High attention to detail and compliance focus.

Why Join Us?

• Lead payroll operations in a high-impact, visible role.
• Mentor and grow a dynamic payroll team.
• Drive process improvements and Workday system enhancements.
• Competitive compensation and benefits offered.