Payroll Tax Risk and Controls Manager

Overview

This role involves managing payroll tax risk and controls within a global payroll tax filing organization. The Payroll Tax Risk and Controls Manager will design, implement, and oversee operational controls to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll tax operations. The position includes leading internal audits, risk assessments, control testing, and compliance initiatives to reduce client risk and improve service quality.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement a comprehensive controls framework for payroll tax filing operations
• Establish control standards, audit procedures, and monitoring processes
• Conduct internal operational audits to identify gaps, risks, and process failures
• Perform recurring control testing to ensure effectiveness of procedures
• Develop risk mitigation plans and collaborate with operational leaders on corrective actions
• Monitor high-risk client accounts and operational trends to identify recurring issues
• Support SOC audit activities including documentation, evidence gathering, and remediation tracking
• Create reporting dashboards and metrics related to compliance, audit findings, and control effectiveness
• Review workflows to identify opportunities for automation, standardization, and process improvement
• Ensure adherence to documented procedures, escalation protocols, and compliance requirements
• Partner with leadership to establish governance standards and accountability measures
• Lead root cause analysis for operational failures, missed filings, notices, penalties, or client escalations
• Develop and maintain process documentation, control narratives, and standard operating procedures
• Provide recommendations to improve operational accuracy, client satisfaction, and service delivery consistency
• Collaborate cross-functionally with payroll, tax filing, compliance, implementation, client services, and technology teams

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in payroll tax filing, payroll operations, compliance, audit, risk management, or operational controls
• Experience creating or managing internal controls frameworks in service-based or operational environments
• Strong understanding of payroll tax filing processes, tax notices, amendments, agency compliance, and operational workflows
• Experience conducting audits, control testing, process reviews, or compliance assessments
• Knowledge of SOC controls, operational risk management, or governance frameworks
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to identify trends and operational risks
• Experience managing remediation efforts and driving process improvements
• Ability to work across multiple teams and influence operational change
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Advanced Excel and reporting skills preferred
• Experience working in high-volume, deadline-driven operational environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within payroll services, HCM, tax filing, or professional services organizations
• Experience supporting SOC 1 or SOC 2 audits
• Familiarity with process improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement frameworks
• Experience with operational KPI reporting and service delivery metrics
• Experience working with enterprise payroll platforms and tax filing systems
• Prior consulting or advisory experience is a plus

Preferred Certifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• CPA preferred but not required
• Six Sigma certification preferred
• Certified Risk and Compliance Management Professional (CRCMP)

Success Metrics

• Reduction in missed filings, penalties, and client escalations
• Improved operational consistency across teams
• Stronger audit readiness and compliance documentation
• Increased visibility into operational risks and service gaps
• Measurable improvement in client health and operational KPIs
• Sustainable controls framework implemented across payroll tax filing operations

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $85,190.00 - $158,210.00
• Competitive total rewards package including health coverage, wellbeing programs, paid leave (vacation, sick, parental), retirement plans, and learning opportunities
• Offers contingent on successful completion of background checks as appropriate for the role and location

Location and Work Authorization

• Candidates must have current and future work authorization in the country where they are applying without the need for visa sponsorship

Equal Opportunity and Diversity

The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. Discrimination based on legally protected characteristics is prohibited. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request during the recruitment process.

Note: This job description does not limit the employer's right to assign or reassign responsibilities, including to subsidiaries, partners, or future business purchasers.