Senior Manager, Payroll

About the role

The Senior Manager, Payroll is responsible for the strategic oversight and hands-on execution of payroll operations for Orchestra’s growing, multi-state workforce. This role will lead all payroll activities, including processing, compliance, benefits integration (e.g., 401(k)), and coordination with HR and Legal on employment matters.

Accountabilities and Qualifications

• Payroll Execution & Oversight
  - Oversee end-to-end bi-weekly, semi-monthly and off-cycle payrolls for 750+ employees across multiple states
  - Ensure accurate, timely processing of payroll in compliance with federal, state and local regulations
  - Maintain and update payroll policies, procedures and controls aligned with best practices and SOX standards

• System Management & Optimization
  - Serve as Payroll system owner and will be responsible for managing upgrades, integrations and data integrity
  - Collaborate with HR and Finance teams to ensure seamless payroll-benefit data flow
  - Lead the implementation of automation and workflow improvements within the payroll lifecycle

• Benefits & 401(k) Integration
  - Administer and reconcile benefit deductions, including health plans, HSA/FSA and 401(k) (Fidelity)
  - Ensure timely 401(k) funding and reporting, including compliance testing, match processing and audit support

• Compliance & Audit
  - Ensure full compliance with all applicable payroll tax laws and regulations (federal, state, and local)
  - File and reconcile multi-state payroll tax filings; work closely with external tax advisors as needed
  - Support annual audits (financial, 401(k), workers comp) with detailed payroll records and reconciliations

• Employee Lifecycle & Legal Interface
  - Partner with HR and Legal on payroll-related matters including onboarding, terminations, severance agreements, garnishments and leaves
  - Support employment-related pay and tax disputes and compliance reviews, coordinating with external payroll vendors and employment attorneys when necessary

• Leadership & Communication
  - Lead, develop, and mentor two direct reports in the payroll team including an HRIS specialist and a Payroll Administrator
  - Act as a point of contact for payroll escalations; ensure high service levels to internal stakeholders
  - Communicate effectively with Finance, HR, Legal and department heads to ensure alignment and transparency

• Proactive Controls & Reporting
  - Design and implement payroll controls, reporting dashboards and reconciliation processes
  - Identify risks, gaps and process inefficiencies—proposing solutions before problems arise
  - Generate and present payroll insights to Finance and Leadership

Essential Skills

• 5-7+ years of payroll experience; 2+ years in a leadership role
• Experience managing payroll in a multi-state U.S. environment (including NY, NJ, CA, TX, etc.)
• Deep knowledge of payroll tax compliance, wage and hour laws and benefits administration
• Familiarity with employment lifecycle events (onboarding, offboarding, severance, terminations)
• Hands-on experience with 401(k) administration and compliance (preferably with Fidelity)
• Experience working with employment attorneys or handling sensitive payroll-related legal matters
• Demonstrated ability to set up and maintain strong internal controls and audit processes
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal skills; able to build trust and influence across departments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred

• Experience with Paylocity, ADP, or similar large payroll/HCM platforms
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or other relevant certification
• Experience scaling payroll operations in a high-growth or PE-backed environment