Payroll Manager

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Payroll Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing all payroll operations to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant compensation for employees. This role manages payroll processes, supervises payroll staff or workflows, partners with HR and Finance, and ensures adherence to federal, state, and local regulations while driving process improvement and operational efficiency.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

· Oversee full-cycle payroll processing for hourly, salaried, and/or commissioned employees on a weekly, biweekly, or semimonthly basis

· Lead, train, and support payroll staff or coordinate payroll workflows to ensure service accuracy and timeliness

· Review payroll data, timesheets, attendance records, earnings, deductions, and tax withholdings for completeness and accuracy

· Ensure compliance with all applicable wage and hour laws, payroll tax requirements, garnishments, and company policies

· Approve payroll reconciliations prior to transmission and validate payroll registers, exception reports, and general ledger interfaces

· Manage payroll-related tax filings, quarterly and annual reporting, W-2 processing, and other required submissions

· Partner with HR, Finance, and operational leaders on new hires, terminations, compensation changes, benefits deductions, audits, and reporting

· Resolve escalated employee payroll issues and ensure a high level of internal customer service

· Maintain payroll controls, documentation, and audit readiness while safeguarding confidential employee information

· Analyze payroll metrics, identify process improvements, and recommend system or workflow enhancements

· Support month-end and year-end close activities, account reconciliations, and internal or external audits

· Serve as the payroll subject matter expert for policies, procedures, compliance updates, and best practices

· Other duties as assigned by management.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

· Leadership and team development skills

· Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

· Sound judgment in handling confidential and sensitive information

· Ability to manage competing priorities and meet critical deadlines

· Continuous improvement mindset with strong process orientation

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred

· 5 years of progressive payroll experience, including lead or supervisory responsibilities

· Strong knowledge of payroll systems and HRIS platforms (e.g., ADP, UKG, Workday, Paycor, etc.)

· Thorough understanding of payroll tax laws, wage and hour regulations, garnishments, and multi-state payroll compliance

· Experience with payroll reconciliations, audits, reporting, and general ledger interfaces

· Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities

· Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) strongly preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

· Prolonged periods sitting at a desk, working on a computer, and talking on the phone.

· Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally.

This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities