Payroll Manager

Newark, NJ – Hybrid (3 days onsite)

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This role combines payroll expertise, accounting leadership, and cross-functional partnership to make a significant impact across the organization.

• Own end-to-end payroll operations across weekly and bi-weekly payroll cycles
• Serve as the organization's go-to expert for payroll compliance and benefits administration
• Partner directly with Finance and HR leadership on strategic initiatives and process improvements
• Lead payroll accounting activities that drive accurate financial reporting and audit readiness
• Gain exposure to union payrolls, retirement plans, regulatory compliance, and labor-related reporting
• Drive automation, system optimization, and workflow improvements across payroll operations
• Play a key role in annual audits, compliance reviews, and financial planning initiatives
• Influence labor forecasting, budget analysis, and workforce-related financial decisions
• Join a leadership role with strong visibility and cross-functional collaboration opportunities

Responsibilities

• Oversee accurate and timely processing of weekly and bi-weekly payrolls for salaried, hourly, and union employees
• Manage payroll accounting, including journal entries, reconciliations, labor allocations, and general ledger accuracy
• Lead union reporting, fringe benefit remittances, and retirement contribution compliance
• Partner with HR/P&O teams to review benefits, payroll deductions, and compensation changes
• Serve as the primary payroll contact for annual audits, including workers' compensation, retirement, and payroll compliance reviews
• Drive payroll process improvements, automation initiatives, and system optimization efforts

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
• 5+ years of payroll management and payroll accounting experience with prior team leadership experience
• Strong knowledge of federal, New Jersey, and local payroll compliance regulations
• Experience with payroll accounting, reconciliations, audits, and general ledger reporting
• Union payroll, collective bargaining agreement (CBA), and benefit reporting experience strongly preferred
• Advanced experience with payroll platforms (ADP, UKG, Ceridian, etc.) and ERP systems

Pay

$100,000 – $115,000