Payroll Manager

Overview

Nakupuna Companies is looking for a Payroll Manager. The Payroll Manager reports to the Accounting Manager and leads the end-to-end payroll function, supervising a team of 3–6 payroll professionals. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing across multiple companies and states, while driving automation, process improvement, and team development. The Payroll Manager serves as the primary payroll systems SME and a trusted partner to Finance, Human Resources, and Nakupuna leadership.

Responsibilities

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned.  

Payroll Leadership & Operations

• Lead and oversee multi-state, multi-company payroll processing across varying pay cycles, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance
• Serve as the primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) for payroll systems, including Deltek Costpoint, Deltek Time & Expense, and ADP
• Manage complex payroll transactions including salaries, bonuses, garnishments, taxes, benefits deductions, PTO payouts, SCA H&W, imputed income, and separations
• Oversee off-cycle payrolls, year-end processing (W-2s, ACA 1095-Cs), and special payroll runs (bonuses, PTO buy-backs, profit sharing)

Process Improvement & Automation

• Identify, design, and implement payroll process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability
• Leverage system functionality, integrations, and reporting to reduce manual work and strengthen internal controls
• Lead payroll audits, reconciliations, and data validation efforts in partnership with Finance and Accounting

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, train, and mentor payroll team members, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Establish clear procedures, documentation, and cross-training to support business continuity and team growth
• Serve as a resource and escalation point for complex payroll issues and employee inquiries

Compliance, Reporting & Controls

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations
• Oversee unemployment claims, child support orders, garnishments, and other statutory deductions
• Manage payroll reporting, headcount reporting, and audit support (payroll, 401(k), workers’ compensation, internal audits)

Benefits, HRIS & 401(k) Administration

• Partner with HR and Finance to ensure accurate benefits deductions, open enrollment processing, and HRIS data integrity
• Serve as 401(k) Plan Administrator, including enrollments, contributions, loans, distributions, testing, and audit coordination
• Oversee HRIS/payroll system integrations, file feeds, imports/exports, and data maintenance

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with Finance, Accounting, HR, and leadership on PTO accruals, labor changes, class/status updates, and reporting needs
• Provide guidance and clear communication to employees and managers regarding payroll and timekeeping processes

Qualifications

Education/Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership responsibilities
• Experience with ADP, Deltek Costpoint and Deltek Time & Expense strongly preferred
• Deep knowledge of payroll laws, multi-state payroll, and benefits administration
• Proven experience driving process improvement, automation, and system optimization
• Advanced Excel and strong data analysis skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage priorities, and partner cross-functionally

Must be a U.S. Citizen, no clearance required. 

Physical Requirements: The ideal candidate must at a minimum be able to meet the following physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation:

• Ability to perform repetitive motions with the hands, wrists, and fingers
• Ability to engage in and follow audible communications in emergency situations
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk and working on a computer