Sr. Payroll Manager

Description

OBJECTIVE:

The Senior Payroll Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing all aspects of payroll operations for a complex, multi-state, multi-entity organization with more than 2000 employees and growing. This position ensures accurate, timely, and compliant processing of payroll while maintaining adherence to all applicable federal, state, and local payroll regulations.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, hands-on payroll leader with extensive experience managing high-volume payroll operations. This position partners closely with Human Resources, Finance and accounting.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead and oversee the end-to-end payroll process of 2000 employees across multiple states and legal entities, ensuring payroll is processed accurately, timely and in compliance with all applicable laws.
• Directing the collection, validation, calculation, and documentation of payroll data for regular, off-cycle, bonus and special payroll processing.
• Review and approve payroll calculations, deductions, earnings, taxes, garnishments, and direct deposits prior to payroll submission.
• Oversee payroll account reconciliations and ensure the accuracy of payroll related general ledger entries.
• Conduct regular payroll audits to verify data integrity and maintain accurate employee payroll records.
• Review, audit, and approve employee timecards, timekeeping systems, and time clock records to ensure accurate wage calculations.
• Maintain accurate payroll account balances and supporting documentation for financial reporting, workers’ compensation, and audit requirements.
• Manage and mentor an off-shore team of payroll specialists, while providing guidance and support.
• Investigate and resolve complex payroll discrepancies, tax issues, and employee payroll inquiries.
• Collaborate closely with Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Benefits, and Operations to support organizational initiatives and ensure accurate employee data management.
• Recommend and implement best practices in payroll administration.
• Communicate payroll policies, changes, and updates to employees, HR, and management.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll tax laws, wage and hour regulations, garnishments, and payroll reporting requirements.
• Review and audit time clocks, time systems, and timecards.
• Manage State Unemployment Insurance (SUI) compliance, Employment Development Department (EDD) notices, ADP tax compliance, and other regulatory requirements.
• Timely processing of notifications that come in (garnishments, inquiries, etc.)
• Other duties assigned.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive payroll administration experience, including at least 4 years in a payroll leadership or management role.
• Proven experience managing high-volume, multi-state and multi-entity payroll operations.
• Experience leading and managing offshore payroll teams.
• Extensive experience with Paylocity Payroll and HRIS.
• Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws, wage and hour regulations, payroll tax compliance, and employment regulations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Knowledge of ADP Systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and payroll software.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP)
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.
• Midwest time zone preferred.
  
  

Physical Demands

• Stand, walk, bend, and twist constantly.
• Sit for long periods of time.
• Sit in front of a monitor (screen(s)) for long periods of time.
• Frequent bilateral hand movements.
• Good finger dexterity.
• Be tolerant of noisy children, small, enclosed spaces, and noisy music.