Accounting and Payroll Manager

Salary: $100,000 – $140,000/year plus discretionary bonus

Location: New York City (Hybrid – 3 days onsite)

About the Role

Our client, a global asset management firm, seeks an experienced Payroll & Accounting Manager to oversee payroll operations and related accounting activities. The role ensures accurate and timely payroll processing, maintains regulatory compliance, supports financial reporting, and drives process improvements across payroll and compensation functions. The ideal candidate will have deep payroll operations experience, compensation accounting knowledge, strong financial controls, and robust reporting skills. This individual will collaborate regularly with Human Resources, Finance, external providers, and business leaders to ensure efficient and accurate payroll and employee-related financial activities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for a multi-location workforce
• Ensure payroll transactions are processed accurately and in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements
• Coordinate with external payroll providers and internal stakeholders to support payroll operations
• Maintain payroll schedules, processing timelines, and related documentation
• Review employee compensation changes, deductions, tax updates, and other payroll-related data
• Respond to payroll inquiries and resolve issues in a timely manner
• Manage accounting activities related to payroll, compensation, bonuses, incentives, and employee benefits
• Prepare payroll-related journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting analyses
• Support monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting requirements
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and tracking employee-related expenses
• Ensure payroll costs are accurately reflected in financial systems and reports
• Maintain compliance with payroll tax regulations, wage and hour requirements, and other applicable laws
• Support internal controls related to payroll processing and compensation accounting
• Monitor changes in payroll regulations and recommend updates to processes and procedures
• Assist with audits, compliance reviews, and documentation requests
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll workflows, reporting capabilities, and operational efficiency
• Support implementation, enhancement, and maintenance of payroll and HR-related systems
• Develop and maintain process documentation and best practices
• Analyze issues, recommend solutions, and help drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Participate in special projects and other business initiatives as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Human Resources, or a related field
• 6–7+ years of experience in payroll, payroll accounting, compensation accounting, or related areas
• Experience managing payroll operations for a multi-state or multi-entity organization preferred
• Strong understanding of payroll accounting, accruals, reconciliations, and financial reporting
• Knowledge of payroll regulations, tax requirements, and compliance standards
• Experience with payroll systems, HRIS platforms, and financial software
• Advanced Excel and analytical skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and project management skills