Payroll Manager

About the Role

Valeris is a fully integrated life sciences commercialization partner that provides comprehensive solutions that span the entire healthcare value chain. Formed by the merger of PharmaCord and Mercalis, Valeris™ revolutionizes the path from life sciences innovation to real-life impact to build a world in which every patient gets the care they need. Valeris works on behalf of life sciences companies to improve the patient experience so that patients can access and adhere to critical medications. Backed by proven industry expertise, a deep commitment to patient care, the latest technology, and exceptionally talented team members, Valeris provides the data and strategic insights, patient support services and healthcare provider engagement tools to help life sciences companies successfully commercialize new products. Valeris provides commercialization solutions to more than 500 life sciences customers and has provided access and affordability support to millions of patients. The company is headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina and Jeffersonville, Indiana.

The Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing and directing all aspects of payroll operations for a multi-state organization of approximately 3,000 employees. This role ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing while managing a team and maintaining adherence to federal, state, and local regulations. The Payroll Manager partners closely with HR, Finance, and IT to optimize payroll systems, support audits, and enhance processes. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of payroll regulations, multi-state compliance requirements, payroll tax administration, and payroll systems management. Experience with Workday is highly desired and will be considered a strong advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll Operations: Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for multi-state employees (hourly, salaried, exempt, non-exempt). Ensure accurate calculation of wages, overtime, bonuses, commissions, and deductions. Manage payroll schedules (weekly, biweekly, semi-monthly as applicable). Review and approve payroll prior to final submission and disbursement.
• Compliance & Reporting: Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll laws and tax regulations. Monitor and implement regulatory changes impacting payroll operations. Oversee tax filings, garnishments, benefits deductions, and year-end processes (W-2s, 1099s). Coordinate internal and external audits related to payroll.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop payroll staff; establish performance goals and training plans. Allocate workload and ensure adequate staffing for payroll cycles. Foster a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Systems & Process Improvement: Manage payroll systems and integrations with HRIS, timekeeping, and accounting platforms. Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce errors. Collaborate with IT and vendors on system upgrades, implementations, and troubleshooting.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with HR on employee data changes, benefits, and compliance matters. Work with Finance on payroll accounting, reconciliations, and reporting. Support leadership with payroll analytics, forecasting, and labor cost insights.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 7+ years of payroll experience, including 3+ years in a supervisory or management role.
  • Experience managing payroll for 1,000+ employees; multi-state experience required.
• Knowledge & Skills:
  • Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements across multiple states.
  • Proficiency with payroll systems (e.g., ADP, Workday, UKG, or similar).
  • Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.
  • Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Key Competencies:
  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Confidentiality and integrity
  • Leadership and team development
  • Process improvement mindset
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or similar certification.
  • Experience in a high-growth or publicly traded company.
  • Background in system implementations or automation initiatives.
  • Experience working in a private equity–backed environment, including familiarity with investor reporting, cash management discipline, and performance-driven operating models.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit for long periods of time, use hands to type, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Prefer candidates who can type at least 35 words per minute with 97% accuracy.
• Although very minimal, flexibility to travel as needed is preferred.
• This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, etc.

Benefits

As part of our organization, full-time employees can expect:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans, including HSA- and FSA-eligible options, with Valeris contributing toward premium costs
• Additional health support, including telehealth and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services
• Company match on Health Savings Account contributions
• Free Basic Life and AD&D coverage equal to your annual earnings, with a minimum of $50,000 and a maximum of $300,000
• Company-paid Short-Term Disability coverage, with the option to purchase Long-Term Disability
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with 100% match on the first 5% you contribute, with immediate vesting
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Sick Leave to support work-life balance
• Team members receive nine paid holidays plus two floating holidays
• Opportunities for advancement in a company that supports personal and professional growth
• A challenging, stimulating work environment that encourages new ideas
• Work for a company that values diversity and makes deliberate efforts to create an inclusive workplace
• A mission-driven, inclusive culture where your work makes a meaningful impact