Senior Manager, Payroll

About the role

The Sr. Manager, Payroll oversees all aspects of payroll operations for the organization, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing of employee compensation. This role manages payroll staff, maintains payroll systems, and collaborates with Human Resources (HR), Finance and Accounting, and external partners to align payroll processes with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for all employee types (salaried, hourly, contract), ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Ensure proper calculation of wages, overtime, deductions, and benefits in compliance with organizational policies
• Manage payroll system configuration and employee records, including department and fund allocations
• Establish and maintain payroll schedules and calendars, ensuring timely payroll execution and reporting
• Review, approve, and audit payroll transactions and exceptions to ensure accuracy and internal control
• Ensure accurate payroll accounting, including proper general ledger coding, reconciliations, and expense allocations
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including wage and hour laws and tax requirements
• Prepare and file payroll tax returns and regulatory reports accurately and on time
• Support internal and external audits, providing documentation, reconciliations, and schedules
• Supervise and develop payroll staff, including training, performance management, and issue resolution
• Lead payroll process improvements and implement best practices, policies, and procedures
• Partner cross-functionally with HR and Finance on benefits, timekeeping, onboarding/offboarding, and reporting
• Serve as the primary payroll subject matter expert, advising leadership, responding to inquiries, and liaising with auditors, CPAs, and regulatory agencies
• Perform other duties reasonably related to the position’s key responsibilities and consistent with the employee’s job classification, skills, and training

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 7-10 years’ experience with payroll
• 3+ years’ experience managing a team
• Computer proficiency in general office software
• Experience with payroll systems such as Paycom, UKG, ADP, Workday, or similar
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws, regulations, and compliance requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 5+ years’ experience managing a team

Skills

• Excellent leadership, communication, and analytical skills
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• High attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and work within tight time schedules

Working Conditions

• Generally pleasant working conditions
• Less than 50% of daily assignments involve prolonged physical effort
• No travel required

Schedule

• Full Time, Hybrid
• Monday - Friday, Exempt
• Typically 8-hour shifts

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• 401(k) Retirement plan and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Personal Health Advocate
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Commuter pre-tax benefit
• Discounted childcare
• Access to the Calm app
• Tickets at Work employee discounts
• Training and professional growth advisory