Sr. Manager US Payroll

About the role

The Senior Manager, US Payroll is responsible for leading the end-to-end payroll function for US, ensuring the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of multi-state payroll for all employees. This role provides strategic leadership and operational ownership of U.S. payroll operations, including payroll governance, compliance, systems administration, controls, and continuous process improvement. The Senior Manager serves as the subject matter expert for payroll operations and partners closely with Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Tax, Benefits, Compensation, Legal, and external vendors to deliver an efficient, compliant, and employee-focused payroll function.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute the end-to-end processing of multi-state, bi-weekly payroll, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll delivery.
• Process and oversee all payroll activities, including off-cycle payments, bonuses, equity, garnishments, benefit deductions, tax updates, retroactive pay, and leave payments.
• Perform payroll reconciliations, resolve complex payroll issues, and ensure payroll balances accurately before and after each payroll cycle.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, SOX controls, and company policies.
• Maintain payroll controls, governance, documentation, and audit readiness while identifying and mitigating operational risk.
• Manage year-end payroll activities, including W-2 processing, tax reporting, reconciliations, and regulatory filings.
• Partner with internal and external auditors to support payroll audits and compliance initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance payroll accuracy, efficiency, automation, and employee experience.
• Lead payroll system enhancements, testing, and process optimization efforts.
• Partner with HRIS, IT, and cross-functional teams to improve integration, reporting, data integrity, and payroll workflows.
• Serve as the payroll subject matter expert and trusted advisor to HR, Finance, Accounting, Tax, Compensation, Benefits, Legal, Internal Audit, and business leaders.
• Support organizational initiatives, acquisitions, reorganizations, and policy changes impacting payroll operations.
• Develop payroll communications and resolve complex or escalated payroll inquiries with professionalism and discretion.
• Provide functional leadership for U.S. Payroll Operations, establishing standards, driving accountability, and promoting operational excellence.
• Coach, mentor, and develop payroll team members, support cross-training, and ensure continuity of payroll operations where applicable.
• Prepare and analyze payroll, tax, labor, and headcount reports, dashboards, and key performance metrics.
• Identify trends, risks, and opportunities, providing insights and recommendations to improve payroll operations and support business decisions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 8-10+ years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership of complex, multi-state U.S. payroll operations.
• Experience supporting payroll operations within a publicly traded and/or SOX-compliant environment preferred.
• Experience with Workday Payroll and/or Workday HCM strongly preferred.
• Experience leading payroll system implementations, enhancements, or transformation initiatives preferred.
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification preferred.
• Expert knowledge of U.S. payroll operations, payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and multi-state payroll administration.
• Strong understanding of SOX compliance, internal controls, audit practices, and payroll governance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex payroll operations within a large, fast-paced organization.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and talent development skills with experience leading high-performing teams.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting critical deadlines.
• Advanced knowledge of payroll systems, HRIS platforms (Workday preferred), payroll providers (OSV preferred), and Microsoft Excel.
• High level of integrity and discretion when handling confidential employee and payroll information.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match that vests fully on day one.
• Eight (8) weeks of paid parental leave after three (3) months of employment.
• Paid time off policy including vacation time, personal time, sick time, floating holidays, and eleven (11) company holidays.
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts.
• Life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, legal assistance.
• Supplemental plans such as pet, critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity insurance.
• Voluntary commuter benefits.
• Family planning and care resources.
• Well-being initiatives and peer-to-peer recognition programs.

Pay

Base pay range: $127,313 - $167,099 USD. Performance-based bonus and/or equity is available to employees in eligible roles.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Employment is at-will and may be terminated at any time with or without cause or notice by the employee or the company.