HYBRID Payroll Manager

Job Details

The Payroll Manager is a hands-on leader responsible for the end-to-end payroll function with a primary focus on technology ownership, system implementation, and process automation. This role serves as the payroll systems SME, driving payroll accuracy, scalability, compliance, and continuous improvement through modern payroll platforms and integrated HR technologies.

This position is ideal for a payroll professional who thrives in system conversions, complex configurations, multi-state payroll environments, and cross-functional implementations, rather than purely transactional payroll processing.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll Systems Ownership & Implementation (Core Focus)
• Serve as the primary owner and administrator of the payroll system (e.g., Dayforce/Ceridian or similar enterprise platforms), including configuration, testing, upgrades, and optimization.
• Lead payroll system implementations, re-implementations, and platform conversions, including requirements gathering, parallel testing, cutover planning, and post-go-live stabilization.
• Configure and maintain complex payroll rules such as:
• Multi-state taxation
• Union and non-union pay structures
• Shift differentials, premiums, bonuses, commissions, and retro pay
• Partner with IT, HRIS, Finance, and external vendors to ensure seamless integrations between payroll, timekeeping, benefits, and general ledger systems.
• Payroll Operations & Compliance
• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for hourly, salaried, exempt, and non-exempt employees across multiple states and entities.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including tax filings, wage and hour laws, garnishments, and year-end reporting (W-2s, audits).
• Establish and maintain robust payroll controls, audit trails, and documented procedures to support internal and external audits.
• Oversee payroll reconciliation, variance analysis, and payroll-related journal entries in coordination with Finance.
• Process Improvement & Automation
• Identify opportunities to automate manual processes, improve data flow, and reduce payroll errors through better system design and configuration.
• Develop dashboards, reports, and analytics to provide leadership with insight into payroll costs, trends, and risks.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on scalability, efficiency, and data accuracy as the organization grows or restructures.
• Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnership
• Lead, mentor, and develop payroll staff, establishing clear expectations, training plans, and performance standards.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to HR and Finance leadership on payroll-related system capabilities, risks, and best practices.
• Support acquisitions, divestitures, and organizational changes from a payroll systems and compliance perspective.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, Information Systems, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 7+ years of progressive payroll experience, with significant hands-on payroll system implementation and configuration responsibility.
• Deep expertise in enterprise payroll platforms (e.g., Dayforce/Ceridian or similar), including conversions and complex setups.
• Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll compliance and payroll-related accounting.
• Demonstrated ability to translate payroll policies and business requirements into system configurations.

Pay, Schedule, Benefits

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package & BONUS
HYBRID