Payroll Manager

Position Summary

Focus Financial Partners is seeking a Payroll Manager to lead and oversee the accurate and timely processing of multi-state employee payroll in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. This role is responsible for managing end-to-end payroll operations, driving process improvements, ensuring strong internal controls, and serving as a key liaison between HR, Finance, and external vendors.

The Payroll Manager will provide strategic oversight of payroll administration, reporting, and compliance while delivering exceptional service to employees and leadership. This position plays a critical role within the Focus financial reporting team and contributes to broader operational and financial initiatives.

This role can be located in St. Louis, MO; New Hyde Park, NY. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full-cycle payroll process, ensuring accurate and timely payroll execution across multiple entities and jurisdictions.
• Oversee payroll data integrity, including compensation changes, bonuses, commissions, benefits deductions, direct deposits, new hires, terminations, and status changes.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and tax regulations; monitor legislative changes and implement necessary updates to processes.
• Manage payroll audits, reconciliations, and internal controls to ensure accuracy and mitigate risk.
• Prepare and review payroll-related reports, including earnings, taxes, deductions, leave, disability, and non-taxable wages; partner with Finance on month-end and year-end reporting.
• Lead the resolution of complex payroll discrepancies through detailed analysis and cross-functional collaboration.
• Serve as primary point of contact for payroll inquiries, escalations, and issue resolution.
• Partner closely with HR, Benefits, and Finance to align payroll operations with organizational objectives and system enhancements.
• Evaluate and optimize payroll systems, workflows, and vendor relationships (including ADP or other platforms) to drive efficiency and scalability.
• Support year-end processes including W-2 preparation, tax filings, and audit documentation.
• Develop, document, and maintain payroll policies and procedures to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Mentor and guide junior payroll team members (if applicable) and contribute to broader team initiatives and cross-functional projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• 5 years of progressive payroll experience, including oversight of multi-state payroll processing; experience in the financial services industry
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations and compliance requirements.
• Experience with ADP or similar enterprise payroll systems required.
• Strong analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage confidential information.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, meet strict deadlines, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to partner effectively across HR, Finance, and leadership teams.

This position is an exempt position. The annualized base pay range for this role is expected to be between $90,000-115,000 base salary compensation range. Actual base pay may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, subject matter expertise, geographic location where work will be performed, and the applicant’s skill set. The base pay is just one component of the total compensation package. Other rewards may include an annual cash bonus and a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401(k). Please note that the job title is subject to change based on the selected candidate’s experience and education.

About Focus Financial Partners

Focus is a leading financial services firm comprised of integrated wealth management, family office, and business management services. Blending deep expertise and expansive resources with a boutique, client-first fiduciary philosophy, Focus helps individuals, families, and institutions navigate complex financial situations with highly personalized solutions tailored to their unique needs. To learn more about Focus, visit www.focusfinancialpartners.com or follow the company on LinkedIn.

The following language is for US based roles only

For California Applicants: Information on your California privacy rights can be found here

For Indiana Applicants: It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a prospective employee on the basis of status as a veteran by refusing to employ an applicant on the basis that they are a veteran of the armed forces of the United States, a member of the Indiana National Guard or a member of a reserve component.

For Maryland Applicants: I UNDERSTAND THAT UNDER MARYLAND LAW, AN EMPLOYER MAY NOT REQUIRE OR DEMAND, AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT, PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYMENT OR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT, THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL SUBMIT TO OR TAKE A POLYGRAP OR SIMILAR TEST.  AN EMPLOYER WHO VIOLATES THIS LAW IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND SUBJECT TO A FINE NOT EXCEEDING $100. 

For Massachusetts Applicants: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.  An employer who violates this shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. 

For Montana Applicants: If hired, the employment relationship is governed by the Wrongful Discharge from Employment Act. Mont. Code Ann. Section 39-2-901.

For Rhode Island Applicants: Focus is subject to Chapters 29-38 of Title 28 of the General Laws of Rhode Island and is therefore covered by the state’s workers’ compensation law. If you willfully provide false information about your ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, you may be barred from filing a claim under the provisions of the Workers’ Compensation Act of the State of Rhode Island if the false information is directly related to the personal injury that is the basis for the new claim for compensation.  The Company complies fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act.