What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager, Payroll (North America) position at EXALTA Group?
Manager, Payroll
North America
Location: Hybrid | Preferred commuting distance to one of our sites in Naples, FL • Kenosha, WI • Bethlehem, PA • Marquette, MI • Athens, GA | Reports to: Corporate Controller
About the Role
We are seeking a Manager, Payroll (North America) to lead payroll operations across a multi-site manufacturing environment with ~800 employees (and growing). Reporting directly to the Corporate Controller, this Finance-led role is responsible for delivering accurate, compliant, and well-controlled payroll while partnering closely with HR.
This is a hands-on leadership role in a lean environment. You will not only execute on payroll but take the lead on building smooth, efficient, compliant payroll processes. You will initially operate as a team of one, working closely with HR team members to execute payroll, while building the foundation for a scalable payroll function.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Ownership & Execution
- Own end-to-end payroll processing across multiple plant and facility locations in North America
- Manage payroll for a complex, hourly and salaried workforce including shift differentials, overtime, and weekend pay rules that vary by site and jurisdiction
- Ensure payroll is accurate, timely, and compliant across a complex, multi-site workforce
- Manage payroll cycles, reporting, and issue resolution
- Oversee time & attendance system integration (ADP Workforce Now) to ensure accurate data flow into payroll processing
Financial Controls & Compliance
- Establish and maintain strong payroll controls
- Partner with Finance on payroll accounting, GL reconciliation, and accruals
- Support internal and external audits; ensure audit readiness
- Stay current on payroll regulations and compliance requirements
Cross-Functional Partnership
- Partner closely with HR and Finance teams
- Ensure data accuracy across HRIS and payroll systems
- Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related matters across all sites
Process Improvement & Scale
- Identify and implement process improvements and automation
- Standardize documentation and workflows across locations
- Help define and build the future payroll structure, including hiring
Qualifications
Required
- 6–10 years of payroll experience, including experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment
- Deep knowledge of U.S. payroll compliance; Canada experience a plus
- Hands-on experience with ADP payroll systems required
- Experience managing payroll for hourly, shift-based workforces
- Experience with payroll accounting, reconciliations, month-end close, and audits
- Comfortable operating in a lean, hands-on environment across multiple sites
Preferred
- Experience in a Finance-led payroll function
- CPP certification
- Experience building or scaling payroll operations
What We’re Looking For
- Hands-on leader who can operate independently across a multi-site environment
- Strong controls and compliance mindset
- Ability to balance execution and process improvement
- Excellent cross-functional partner (Finance HR)
- Comfortable being a team of one, initially
Why Join EXALTA
- Opportunity to own and shape payroll in a growing, multi-site organization
- High-impact role with visibility across Finance and HR leadership
- Build the foundation for a scalable payroll function