Payroll Manager

Overview
The Payroll Manager at Third Road Management supports a portfolio of clients with their payroll-related functions and compliance needs. The role leads our team of Payroll Specialists and serves as a trusted advisor and technical expert in payroll administration, ensuring timely and accurate processing while helping clients navigate evolving payroll regulations, requirements, and best practices. The Payroll Manager is organized, resourceful, and thrives in a dynamic environment supporting multiple clients across a diverse range of industries.

About Third Road Management: Third Road Management, a pioneer in the booming fractional services industry with a nationwide presence, was established in 2015 with a singular mission: to revolutionize how small to mid-sized organizations view and manage their financial operations. Across the nation, there are over one million organizations generating revenues under $100 million that lack the essential strategic, financial, and operational expertise needed to establish a sustainable and scalable foundation. Third Road Management addresses this challenge by offering a re-imagined CFO suite, featuring some of the most skilled Fractional CFOs, Controllers, and Accountants available in the market.

Responsibilities Include:

• Lead and manage payroll processing across multiple clients on a recurring basis (weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, and monthly), ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Act as the primary point of contact for client payroll matters, building strong relationships with client leadership and internal teams.
• Maintain payroll schedules, pay rates, PTO accruals, employee deductions, and benefit contributions, and ensure payroll records are accurate and up to date.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws and best practices.
• Support employee onboarding and termination processes related to payroll (e.g., final checks, vacation payouts, benefits termination).
• Reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts and collaborate with accounting team to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Prepare and file federal, state, and local payroll tax reports as needed; liaise with third-party payroll providers to resolve discrepancies or issues.
• Ensure timely preparation and distribution of W-2s, 1099s, and other year-end reporting requirements.
• Ensure timely preparation and distribution of W-2s, 1099s, and other year-end reporting requirements.
• Maintain internal documentation for client-specific payroll processes and participate in the development of standardized procedures and controls.
• Stay current on payroll laws and trends and advise clients on relevant changes.
• Assist clients in selecting or optimizing third-party payroll systems (e.g., Paylocity, ADP, Gusto, etc.) and integrating payroll with accounting software when applicable.
• Develop and maintain payroll controls to ensure accuracy, security, and regulatory compliance.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing payroll documentation and responding to inquiries.
• Identify opportunities to automate payroll processes and improve operational efficiency.
• Lead payroll system implementations, upgrades, and optimization projects.· Mentor, train, and provide guidance to payroll specialists or accounting team members.
• Review payroll work performed by junior team members for accuracy and completeness.

Qualifications

• 5 years progressive payroll experience managing payroll for small to mid-sized businesses across multiple states.
• Strong interpersonal skills to maintain positive and engaging relationships with clients and team members.
• Strong understanding of wage and hour laws, payroll taxes, and compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with major payroll platforms (e.g., Paylocity, ADP, Gusto, Paychex) and accounting systems (e.g., QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, NetSuite).
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple clients and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong communication skills and a customer service mindset; able to advise clients clearly and professionally.
• Experience working independently and collaboratively with accounting and HR teams.
• Familiarity with payroll-related benefits administration, including 401(k) contributions, HSA/FSA deductions, and insurance benefits.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field preferred.
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification is a plus.

Culture and Total Rewards: Third Road Management embodies a culture that provides unmatched flexibility, empowerment and balance while delivering deep expertise and excellence for our clients.

• Flexible & Remote Schedules
• Unlimited PTO
• Competitive Base Commensurate with Experience
• Annual Bonus and Commission Opportunities
• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k)
• Genuinely Passionate and Personable Colleagues

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Chicago, IL 60654 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Chicago, IL 60654: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60654

Salary : $90,000 - $120,000