Overview
A global leader in people, payroll, and technology solutions is seeking a Payroll Tax Risk and Controls Manager to build, implement, and oversee operational controls within the Payroll Tax Filing organization. This role focuses on internal audits, risk assessments, control testing, and compliance initiatives to ensure accurate and compliant payroll tax operations for clients across multiple countries.
Responsibilities
- Design and implement a comprehensive controls framework for Payroll Tax Filing operations
- Establish control standards, audit procedures, and monitoring processes across teams
- Conduct internal operational audits to identify gaps, risks, and process failures
- Perform recurring control testing to ensure procedures operate effectively
- 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, operational health, 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
Requirements
- 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 & Benefits
- Salary range: $77,420.00 - $143,780.00
- Competitive total rewards package including health coverage, wellbeing programs, paid leave (vacation, sick, parental), retirement plans, and learning opportunities
- Bonus and/or incentive eligibility determined by role and level
Additional Information
- Employment offers contingent on successful completion of background checks as appropriate for the role and location
- Candidates must have current and future work authorization in the country of application without need for visa sponsorship
- Equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Reasonable accommodations available upon request during recruitment process
Location
This role supports international payroll tax filing operations and may involve collaboration across multiple regions.