What are the responsibilities and job description for the Payroll Manager position at Pape-Dawson?
Overview
Job Description:
The Payroll Manager leads and scales a complex, multi-state payroll function supporting a workforce of 2,000 employees. This role is responsible for end-to-end payroll operations across multiple legal entities and jurisdictions, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and operational excellence.
Responsibilities
All qualified applicants for Pape-Dawson Engineers will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Job Description:
The Payroll Manager leads and scales a complex, multi-state payroll function supporting a workforce of 2,000 employees. This role is responsible for end-to-end payroll operations across multiple legal entities and jurisdictions, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and operational excellence.
Responsibilities
- Payroll Operations & Processing
- Lead the execution of bi-weekly payroll cycles across multiple entities and states.
- Ensure accurate and timely processing of wages, salaries, bonuses, and off-cycle payrolls.
- Oversee payroll inputs including timekeeping, paid leave, accruals, benefit deductions, garnishments, and tax withholdings.
- Ensure proper payroll accounting, including reconciliation and alignment with the general ledger.
- Establish and maintain scalable payroll processes to support organizational growth.
- Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, develop, and mentor payroll staff, fostering a culture aligned with Pape-Dawson’s core values: Respect, Integrity, Excellence, Responsiveness, Hard Work, and Family.
- Drive accountability, performance management, and continuous improvement within the payroll function.
- Partner cross-functionally with Finance, HR, and IT to ensure seamless payroll operations.
- Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations across multiple jurisdictions.
- Oversee payroll tax filings, W-2 processing, and year-end reporting.
- Maintain and enhance payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll audits and regulatory inquiries.
- Systems, Implementation & Process Improvement
- Lead the selection, implementation, and ongoing optimization of third-party payroll providers.
- Serve as project manager for payroll system implementations, upgrades, and integrations.
- Drive automation and process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
- Ensure data integrity and integration between payroll, HRIS, and financial systems.
- Mergers & Acquisitions Support
- Support payroll due diligence for acquisitions, including risk assessment and cost analysis.
- Lead payroll integration activities, including system mapping, data conversion, and process standardization.
- 10 years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership responsibility.
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation.
- Proven experience managing payroll operations for 2,000 employees in organizations with multi-state registrations and complex entity structures.
- Hands-on experience implementing and project managing third-party payroll providers (e.g., ADP or similar platforms).
- Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll tax regulations and wage & hour compliance.
- Experience with payroll accounting and general ledger integration.
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams and operate effectively in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- Deep expertise in multi-state payroll operations, including complex tax jurisdictions and compliance requirements.
- Strong project management capability with demonstrated success leading payroll system implementations and vendor transitions.
- Advanced knowledge of third-party payroll platforms (e.g., ADP) and HRIS/payroll integrations.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.
- Analytical mindset with ability to identify process inefficiencies and implement scalable solutions.
- Strong leadership and team development skills, with experience building and managing high-performing teams.
- Effective cross-functional collaboration with Finance, HR, IT, and operational stakeholders.
- Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to resolve complex payroll discrepancies.
- Clear and professional communication skills, including the ability to translate technical payroll concepts for non-technical audiences.
- High degree of integrity and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.
All qualified applicants for Pape-Dawson Engineers will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.