Senior Payroll Manager

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Senior Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations for a complex, multi‑jurisdiction organization in Austin, Texas. This position will guide payroll strategy, strengthen compliance practices, and ensure accurate, timely processing across a large employee population. The role also partners closely with HR, Finance, Legal, and executive leadership to improve controls, support reporting needs, and build a high‑performing payroll function.

Responsibilities

• Direct end-to-end payroll operations, ensuring biweekly processing is completed accurately, on schedule, and in alignment with company policies.
• Oversee payroll data administration, including employee onboarding updates, compensation changes, deductions, and other system-maintained records.
• Review timekeeping information, validate payroll adjustments, and resolve discrepancies before final payroll submission.
• Administer wage calculations such as overtime, incentive pay, commissions, and other earnings while maintaining compliance with applicable regulations.
• Manage payroll tax activity, garnishments, benefit deductions, year-end reporting, and W-2 preparation across multiple states and jurisdictions.
• Lead and develop payroll leaders and team members by setting priorities, providing coaching, and driving accountability across daily operations.
• Establish payroll policies and governance standards in partnership with HR, Finance, Tax, and Legal to support compliance across domestic and international operations where applicable.
• Drive payroll technology planning and optimization, including system administration, enhancements, vendor coordination, and automation initiatives.
• Serve as the senior point of contact for executives, auditors, and external agencies by delivering reporting, risk insight, audit support, and resolution of complex payroll matters.
• Oversee payroll integration planning for acquisitions and divestitures, including due diligence support, operational alignment, and long-term standardization efforts.

Requirements

• 8+ years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership responsibility in complex organizational environments.
• 4+ years of experience with full ownership of a payroll function at the manager, director, or head-of-payroll level.
• Certified Payroll Certification or Fundamental Payroll Certification is required.
• Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll laws, tax requirements, and broader payroll compliance standards; multi-country exposure is highly valuable.
• Hands-on experience with Workday payroll administration and implementation activities.
• Advanced Excel skills with the ability to analyze payroll data, reconcile variances, and maintain strong data accuracy.
• Demonstrated success partnering across payroll, HR, finance, tax, and legal teams to support business and compliance objectives.
• Experience managing payroll for large employee populations, including full-cycle payroll processing in high-volume environments.

Benefits

Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. For more information, visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net.