Payroll Manager

About the role

The Payroll Manager at Tend is responsible for the end-to-end payroll experience for a complex, multi-state healthcare workforce. This role requires deep payroll expertise, operational excellence, and cross-functional partnership to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payment for all team members.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute bi-weekly payroll for a multi-state, multi-entity healthcare workforce across clinical studios and corporate teams.
• Ensure accurate processing for hourly, salaried, and contractor populations, including multiple pay cycles, rates, and premium structures.
• Manage complex pay components including shift differentials, clinical premiums, overtime, blended rates, state-specific rules, and retroactive adjustments.
• Oversee payroll inputs including time and attendance, PTO, leaves of absence, bonuses, commissions, and off-cycle payments.
• Process and reconcile 401(k) and other benefit-related payroll deductions, including employee contributions, employer matches, and loan repayments.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage-and-hour laws, with particular attention to healthcare and state-specific requirements.
• Manage payroll tax setup, filings, deposits, reconciliations, and agency notices in partnership with payroll vendors.
• Own year-end processes including W-2s, 1099s, and all required state and federal reporting.
• Conduct payroll audits, reconciliations, and internal controls to ensure accuracy, compliance, and financial integrity.
• Partner with Finance on payroll accruals, general ledger alignment, and labor reporting for clinical and corporate teams.
• Serve as system owner for payroll and timekeeping platforms, ensuring pay rules, premiums, and state requirements are correctly configured.
• Lead continuous improvement of payroll processes, documentation, and controls to support scale and a strong team member experience.
• Act as a trusted partner to People, Finance, Legal, and Studio leaders on complex payroll and pay practice questions.

Requirements

• 7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including ownership of multi-state, multi-unit payroll in healthcare or similarly complex environments.
• Deep experience supporting hourly, salaried, and contractor populations, including clinical teams with shift-based scheduling and premium pay.
• Strong working knowledge of payroll tax compliance, wage-and-hour laws, and healthcare-specific pay practices.
• Hands-on experience managing payroll audits, tax notices, garnishments, and regulatory inquiries.
• Advanced experience with payroll and timekeeping systems (UKG preferred; ADP, Workday, or similar platforms).
• Strong Excel and reporting skills for audits, reconciliations, and leadership reporting.
• A high bar for accuracy, strong organization, and the ability to operate calmly and effectively in fast-paced, high-volume environments.
• A collaborative, service-oriented mindset with the ability to build trust and influence across People, Finance, Legal, and Studio teams.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or related field.
• Experience: 7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including ownership of multi-state, multi-unit payroll in healthcare or similarly complex environments.

Skills

• Payroll Tax Compliance
• Wage-and-Hour Laws
• Healthcare-Specific Pay Practices
• Payroll Audits
• Payroll System Configuration
• Excel and Reporting

Benefits

Tend offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Dental Wellness Program
• 401(k) plan
• Life & AD&D insurance
• Legal support
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
• Pre-tax transit/parking benefits
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Annual bonus based on company and individual performance

Pay

$95,000 USD - $125,000 USD

Schedule

This role is hybrid if based in Nashville (Tuesdays and Wednesdays in office) or remote if based outside of Nashville. Candidates must be based in central or east coast time zones.