Payroll Manager

Payroll Manager

The Payroll Manager is responsible for leading and optimizing all payroll operations across a multi-state organization. This role oversees accurate and compliant payroll processing, including certified payroll for prevailing wage projects, while serving as the internal subject matter expert for the Dayforce HCM platform. The Payroll Manager partners closely with Finance, Human Resources, Legal, and Operations to ensure payroll accuracy, regulatory compliance, process efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Administration & Compliance

• Manage end-to-end payroll operations for a multi-state employee population, ensuring payroll is processed accurately, timely, and in compliance with applicable regulations.

• Oversee weekly payroll processing, off-cycle payments, year-end activities, and W-2 generation and distribution.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance payroll policies, procedures, controls, and compliance documentation.

• Ensure compliance with payroll tax requirements across multiple jurisdictions, including registration, withholding, reporting, and remittance activities.

• Monitor regulatory and legislative developments affecting payroll and implement required process and system changes.

Certified Payroll & Regulatory Reporting

• Administer certified payroll reporting for prevailing wage and government-funded projects.

• Ensure compliance with Davis-Bacon Act requirements and applicable state prevailing wage regulations.

• Prepare, review, and submit certified payroll reports while maintaining audit-ready documentation and supporting records.

• Serve as a key resource for payroll compliance reviews, audits, and regulatory inquiries.

Payroll Systems & Process Improvement

• Function as the primary administrator for the Dayforce (Ceridian) HCM platform, including payroll configuration, tax administration, earnings and deduction setup, workflow management, reporting, and system optimization.

• Partner with HR and IT teams to support system enhancements, upgrades, integrations, testing, and user training initiatives.

• Evaluate and implement process improvements that enhance payroll accuracy, efficiency, compliance, and scalability.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Collaborate with Finance on payroll accounting activities, labor reporting, general ledger reconciliations, and audit support.

• Work closely with Human Resources to support employee onboarding, benefits administration, leave programs, employee changes, and terminations.

• Provide guidance and expertise to managers and employees on payroll-related matters and compliance requirements.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop payroll staff, establishing performance expectations and promoting a culture of accountability, accuracy, customer service, and continuous improvement.

• Support internal and external audits by coordinating payroll documentation and responding to information requests in a timely manner.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• 7–10 years of progressive payroll experience, including a minimum of 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role.

• Experience managing multi-state payroll operations for organizations with 500 employees.

• Strong knowledge of certified payroll reporting and prevailing wage compliance, including Davis-Bacon and state-specific requirements.

• Advanced understanding of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations and reporting obligations.

• Hands-on experience administering and configuring Dayforce (Ceridian) HCM.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification or equivalent credential.

• Experience supporting construction, government contracting, manufacturing, field services, or other prevailing wage environments.

• Exposure to mergers and acquisitions, workforce integrations, organizational growth initiatives, or multi-state expansion efforts.

• Experience leading payroll process improvement or technology implementation projects.

Core Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to payroll accuracy.

• Exceptional analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to prioritize competing demands and consistently meet deadlines.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.

• High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion when handling confidential information.

• Process-driven mindset focused on compliance, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

• Proven ability to lead teams, drive accountability, and build collaborative relationships across the organization.