Senior Manager, Payroll

A Day in the Life of the Senior Manager, Payroll

The Senior Payroll Manager will lead U.S. payroll operations for a large, multistate workforce. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing while driving continuous improvement in controls, systems, and team performance. The Payroll Sr. Manager partners closely with HR, Accounting, Tax, and business leaders to deliver a high-quality payroll experience for employees and the organization.

• Oversee weekly and bi-weekly multi-state payroll processing for 3,000+ employees across multiple FEINs.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local wage and hour laws and payroll tax regulations.
• Establish, document, and maintain strong payroll controls and procedures; collaborate with Internal Audit on control testing and remediation.
• Own the planning and execution of all U.S. payroll processing activities.
• Lead the integration, governance, and ongoing optimization of payroll systems.
• Serve as the payroll system subject matter expert, resolving issues and ensuring systems meet business needs.
• Evaluate payroll and related processes and drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Lead, develop, and mentor a high performing payroll team with a strong service mindset.
• Foster a culture of accountability, quality, and continuous learning.
• Provide regular coaching and performance feedback to support engagement and professional growth.
• Act as a strategic partner for HR, Accounting, Tax, Treasury, and business stakeholders.
• Prepare and present payroll metrics and reporting related to accuracy, volume, efficiency, and issue resolution.
• Translate payroll insights into actionable recommendations that support broader business objectives.
• Actively support, promote, and advance Astound's commitment to creating a best-in-class workplace, recognizing it as a business priority, including fostering a work environment where employees are respected, supported, heard, and empowered to do their best work.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of experience managing multistate payroll for an organization with 3,000+ employees.
• Experience Leading Payroll System Implementations Or Integrations (WorkDay Preferred).
• Proven experience and expertise in payroll systems and end-to-end payroll processes (WorkDay, UKG, SAP or equivalent).
• Experience in extracting, analyzing, and reconciling payroll data.
• Advanced Excel proficiency required.
• Strong knowledge of payroll practices, wage and hour laws, and multistate taxation.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate cross-functionally.
• Ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights for non-technical audiences including HR leadership, Finance, and business managers.
• Strong project management and organizational skills; able to manage multiple analytical workstreams simultaneously across both compensation and benefits cycles.
• High attention to data accuracy and a personal commitment to work product quality.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Business, or a related field, or equivalent payroll experience.

Benefits

• 401k retirement plan, with employer match
• Insurance options including: medical, dental, vision, life and STD insurance
• Paid Time Off/Vacation: Starting at 80 hours per year, and increases based on tenure with the organization
• Floating Holiday: 40 hours per year
• Paid Holidays: 7 days per year
• Paid Sick Leave: Astound allows a number of paid sick hours per calendar year and varies based on state and/or local laws
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Employee discount program

Pay

• Base Compensation Range: $100,000 - $140,000 plus opportunities for benefits.

Schedule

• Not specified

Skills

• Advanced Excel proficiency
• Strong knowledge of payroll practices, wage and hour laws, and multistate taxation
• Experience in extracting, analyzing, and reconciling payroll data
• Experience in leading payroll system implementations or integrations (WorkDay Preferred)
• Experience in end-to-end payroll processes (WorkDay, UKG, SAP or equivalent)
• Experience in project management and organizational skills
• Experience in translating complex data into clear, actionable insights for non-technical audiences
• Experience in fostering a culture of accountability, quality, and continuous learning
• Experience in preparing and presenting payroll metrics and reporting
• Experience in translating payroll insights into actionable recommendations
• Experience in supporting, promoting, and advancing a best-in-class workplace