Payroll Manager

The Payroll Manager will support the payroll implementation of the new HCM system, covering 70,000 associates across Wakefern and 48 retail members in 9 states. This role ensures the integrity and efficiency of the payroll system and the standardization of payroll processing operations. The Payroll Manager will oversee the weekly payroll processing, ensuring accuracy and compliance with policies and regulations for the weekly payroll. .

This position demands comprehensive payroll management with a focus on systems and process enhancements/innovation. It requires deep expertise in payroll management, strong leadership skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to innovate and streamline payroll systems and processes. The role combines the rigors of payroll management with the creativity and foresight needed for continuous improvement and efficiency in payroll operations.

Essential Functions

HCM Implementation: Become a SME for the design, testing, and implementation to a brand new HCM from the current PeopleSoft system, ensuring compliance and competitive advantage in payroll end to end operations.

Innovative Payroll Processing Techniques: As a Wakefern Payroll SME, you will tackle complex payroll issues with an innovative mindset, solving immediate problems while critically assessing and redesigning processes to prevent future challenges. This role requires a blend of analytical thinking and innovative problem-solving skills.

Wakefern and Retail Member Support: You will be responsible for accurate and timely execution and access to financial information and reports, enabling Wakefern and Retail Members to operate efficiently and economically. You will ensure all paperwork and adjustments are processed accurately within established guidelines. Acting as a liaison between Wakefern, Retail Members, and the Technical Team, you will address questions and enhancement requests.

Union Environment Expertise: Oversee collective bargaining agreements to ensure compliance. Manage time accrual plans based on tenure and contract terms. Administer wage progression and pay adjustments. Handle health and welfare plans, including medical, dental, vision, pension, and retirement benefits, ensuring compliance with union agreements and regulations. Collaborate with union representatives to resolve issues and maintain positive relationships.

Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with various Wakefern divisions, including HR, Legal, Government Relations, and Labor Relations. Your role will involve supporting and aligning pay policies with organizational goals, ensuring compliance with payroll tax law changes.

Third-party Vendor Coordination: Manage and maintain strong relationships with external vendors to ensure seamless integration and operation of various payroll-related services. This includes overseeing the timely and accurate submission of interface files and payments for 401(k) plans, credit unions, garnishments, new hire reporting, and other employee benefits. You will be responsible for coordinating with vendors to resolve any issues that arise, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and contractual obligations.

Financial Close & Audits: Lead the month end, year closings and support for all Audits (External, Internal, and SOC1)

Tax Reporting and Compliance Innovation: Oversee and innovate in the area of tax reporting and compliance, introducing new methods and technologies to enhance accuracy and efficiency. Ensure HRIS and payroll systems comply with data privacy laws (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) and payroll regulations, while maintaining access controls, user roles, and data security protocols.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, HR, or related field required.
• Experience in leading HCM payroll implementation like, Ceridian Dayforce, UKG, ADP for large corporations.
• A minimum of 15 years of Payroll experience with people management experience.
• Familiarity processing payroll in a timely manner on a weekly basis.
• Strong Skills in Microsoft Office including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience auditing payroll and preparing journal entries to the general ledger, proficiency with FLSA (including adjusted rate of pay for overtime), tax laws, labor laws, employment laws, and changing standards from the Department of Labor.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) and/or Functional Payroll Certification (FPC) from Payroll.org/American Payroll Association or equivalent from global payroll association or prior demonstrated certification preferred.