Payroll & Tax Manager

Overview

As the Payroll and Tax Manager, you will oversee all payroll operations for a mid-sized organization, managing a small payroll team. This role involves ensuring accurate and timely processing of multi-state payroll, maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations, and partnering with HR, Finance, and leadership to support business initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end processing of bi-weekly payroll for all employees (hourly and salaried).
• Review and validate payroll prepared by the Senior Payroll Administrator.
• Ensure the accuracy of employee data, including deductions, garnishments, withholding elections, and compensation changes.
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll tax filings at federal, state, and local levels.
• Manage audits, inquiries, and tax notices.
• Monitor legislative changes and ensure ongoing compliance.
• Audit payroll reports, general ledger files, and tax filings for accuracy.
• Identify and implement effective and efficient processes and system improvements.
• Troubleshoot and understand payroll system to ensure maintaining up to date knowledge of system and functionality.
• Manage year-end processes, including W-2s, taxable benefits, and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, payroll tax regulations, and company policies.
• Evaluate, enhance, and maintain internal controls and document payroll procedures.
• Coordinate with external auditors and manage payroll-related inquiries.
• Stay informed about regulatory changes affecting payroll (FLSA, tax changes, multi-state rules, etc.).
• Supervise, mentor, and support the Senior Payroll Administrator.
• Partner with HR on onboarding, terminations, compensation adjustments, and benefits integration.
• Support Finance with payroll accounting, GL reconciliation, and reporting requirements.
• Implement payroll metrics and utilize payroll data to make informed decisions and to provide senior leadership with payroll metrics, analysis, forecasting, and insights.
• Lead payroll process improvement initiatives to increase accuracy and efficiency.
• Work with IT, HR, and Finance to streamline workflows and optimize system capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5-7+ years of payroll experience, including multi-state payroll.
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with payroll/HRIS systems (ADP, Workday, UKG, Ceridian, Paycom, etc.).
• Excellent attention to detail, analytical skills, and confidentiality.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage deadlines with a small team.
• Ability to work hybrid in our corporate office in Mclean, VA. Ability to flex hours to accommodate payroll needs which might include occasional evenings and some weekend work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior supervisory experience.
• CPP certification a strong plus.
• Experience utilizing Workday and/or implementation of Workday Compensation.

Benefits

The Payroll and Tax Manager at Somatus is offered a competitive compensation package that reflects market conditions and recognizes the skills, experience, and contributions of our team members. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, experience, and geographic location and may fall outside of the range shown above. In addition, this position may be eligible for a discretionary performance-based bonus in accordance with the Company's applicable incentive compensation plans.