Payroll & Accounting Manager

Accounting & Payroll Manager – Manufacturing

Location: Middletown, CT (On-Site)

Salary: $125,000 – $140,000

About the Role

A well-established manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Accounting & Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations and oversee key accounting functions at its Middletown, CT location. This position will play a critical leadership role within the finance team, managing a team of four while overseeing payroll operations for a large multi-frequency employee population across the U.S.

The role is heavily focused on payroll management and process oversight, while also supporting accounts payable and broader accounting operations. The company is looking for a highly organized, tech-savvy leader with strong manufacturing industry experience and the ability to drive process improvements and future payroll transformation initiatives, including the long-term transition of payroll functions further in-house.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end payroll operations for approximately 350 U.S.-based employees across weekly, bi-monthly, and monthly payroll cycles.
• Manage and mentor a team of four across payroll and accounting functions.
• Ensure payroll processing is accurate, compliant, and completed within required deadlines.
• Partner with HR, Finance, and operational leadership to resolve payroll and accounting-related matters.
• Lead payroll process improvement initiatives and support future in-house payroll transition strategies.
• Oversee accounts payable activities and ensure accurate processing, approvals, and reconciliations.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations and reporting requirements.
• Review payroll reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, and related accounting transactions.
• Support month-end close processes and assist with financial reporting activities.
• Identify opportunities to improve automation, reporting, controls, and overall operational efficiency.
• Work closely with leadership on ad hoc projects, reporting, and systems-related initiatives.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred.
• 7 years of payroll and accounting experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Prior leadership experience managing payroll or accounting staff.
• Strong understanding of multi-frequency payroll processing and payroll compliance requirements.
• Experience with ADP payroll systems and ERP systems such as Infor SyteLine.
• Hands-on leadership style with strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while managing competing priorities.

Next Steps

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Kenton at HireIQ.