Payroll Manager (Workday)

Position Overview

The Payroll Manager is responsible for the end-to-end ownership of payroll operations and payroll tax compliance. This role oversees accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing for a large multi-state employee population while serving as the primary subject matter expert for payroll taxes, audits, reconciliations, and regulatory compliance. In addition to leading the function strategically, this role remains hands-on in bi-weekly payroll processing and employee support.

This is a highly visible role partnering closely with HR, Finance, and Leadership to ensure operational excellence, compliance, and continuous improvement across all payroll functions.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Operations & Processing

• Own full-cycle bi-weekly payroll processing, including data entry, validation, auditing, reconciliation, and transmission.
• Manage payroll for 1,000 employees, including hourly and salaried populations across multiple states.
• Oversee and validate payroll deductions for taxes, benefits, garnishments, charitable contributions, and other withholdings.
• Process bonuses, salary changes, retro pay, and other off-cycle payments.
• Issue and reissue checks or direct deposits as needed.

Payroll Tax Compliance

• Ensure accurate and timely federal, state, and local payroll tax filings and payments (monthly, quarterly, and annual).
• Reconcile payroll tax accounts and resolve discrepancies.
• Respond to tax notices and work directly with tax agencies as needed.
• Monitor changes in tax laws and ensure ongoing compliance.
• Record and process federal and state payroll tax deposits.

Leadership Oversight

• Serve as the Payroll subject matter expert and escalation point for complex issues.
• Maintain and enhance payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Drive continuous process improvement and automation where possible.

Audit, Controls & Reporting

• Perform payroll audits, including reconciliation of payroll registers to general ledger and monthly bank statements.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and documentation in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Generate ad-hoc and recurring payroll and labor reporting.
• Support internal and external audits.

Cross-Functional Partnership & Employee Support

• Partner closely with HR, Finance, and Compensation teams.
• Provide high-level customer service to employees and leaders for payroll questions and issue resolution.
• Support HR processes that impact payroll accuracy and compliance.

Required Qualifications

• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) strongly preferred.
• 7-10 years of progressive payroll experience, including multi-state payroll and tax compliance.
• Prior experience leading or serving as a senior payroll authority.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
• Advanced experience with Workday Payroll and ADP required
• High proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office.
• Exceptional attention to detail, confidentiality, and integrity.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.