Payroll Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of payroll operations, including payroll processing, tax compliance, benefits integration, system implementation, and team leadership. This role ensures the accurate and timely payment of wages in compliance with federal, state, and local laws and supports the organization through strategic improvements, audit readiness, and exemplary customer service. The Payroll Manager collaborates cross-functionally with HR, Finance, and IT and serves as the subject matter expert on payroll policies, systems, and regulatory compliance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

Payroll Operations

• Lead the end-to-end payroll process for salaried and hourly employees including new hires, terminations, bonuses, garnishments, and changes in pay.
• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including labor and tax regulations (e.g., DCAA, FAR, Service Contract Act, Davis-Bacon Act).
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in payroll-related laws and ensure payroll systems reflect current regulatory requirements.
• Oversee payroll tax reporting and reconciliation; manage multistate payroll operations, registrations, and filings.
• Conduct monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliations of payroll-related general ledger accounts.
• Partner with vendors and internal teams to audit payroll outputs and ensure accuracy.
• Support payroll-related audits, including internal, external, workers' compensation, and government audits.
• Ensure year-end payroll activities are completed accurately and timely (e.g., W-2s, fringe benefits).

System & Process Improvement

• Evaluate and implement new payroll systems, upgrades, or enhancements, ensuring thorough testing and smooth deployment.
• Continuously assess payroll processes for efficiency, automation, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness.
• Seek ways to improve system integrations, timekeeping workflows, and labor allocations.
• Collaborate with Finance and Human Resources to ensure integration and alignment across methodologies and platforms.
• Ensures annual compensation and bonus allocations are accurate and configured in HCM system (Dayforce)

Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise and mentor payroll team members and shared service personnel, including hiring, training, coaching, and conducting performance reviews.
• Provide expert-level support for complex payroll inquiries, guiding team and stakeholders with professionalism and discretion.
• Promote a culture of accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement.

Audit, Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare and analyze payroll reports and dashboards to identify trends, exceptions, and opportunities for improvement.
• Manage payroll data requests for financial reporting, compliance audits, and organizational planning.
• Act as the point of contact for tax inquiries, audit activities, and responses to government agencies.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education & Certification

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or related professional certification.

Experience

• 7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership or management role.
• Proven experience with payroll systems such as Dayforce, Workforce Now, Workday, SAP, or Deltek. Strong preference for Dayforce payroll experience.

Skills & Competencies

• Deep knowledge of payroll practices, tax compliance, and benefits integration.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and general reporting tools.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and confidentiality in handling sensitive data.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills across all organizational levels.
• Demonstrated success in leading payroll system implementations and continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Ability to resolve complex payroll and tax-related issues efficiently and diplomatically.
• Proven leadership in managing high-performance teams and change initiatives.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret and present data effectively.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical users in a professional manner.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail in data management and reporting.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong personal integrity to maintain privacy of confidential employee information.
• Committed to diversity and inclusion

• Willingness to travel up to 20% of the time