Overview
This role leads the organization’s global payroll function supporting 2,800+ employees across 40+ states and 10+ countries. The Sr. Manager, Payroll owns the strategic direction of payroll processes, systems, and policies, guides a team of payroll professionals, and manages relationships with external payroll vendors and senior internal stakeholders. Accountabilities include accuracy, compliance, and scalability of payroll operations as the organization grows.
Responsibilities
- Set the strategic direction for global payroll processes, systems, and policies.
- Ensure compliance with statutory and SOX reporting requirements; maintain and share a current knowledge base of payroll regulations across the team.
- Own payroll tax filings and reconciliations (federal, state, local), serving as the point of contact for payroll tax audits.
- Lead, coach, and develop the payroll team; build staffing and succession plans to meet department goals.
- Provide strategic direction on complex and non-routine payroll issues, including integrations after acquisitions, system upgrades, and expansion into new jurisdictions.
- Ensure payroll processes are accurately documented; review practices and drive process-improvement or automation initiatives.
- Own the relationship with external payroll providers, including contract and performance oversight; establish KPIs and drive vendor accountability.
- Serve as the final escalation point for the most complex payroll issues, discrepancies, and reconciliations.
- Represent the payroll function to executive leadership, HR leadership, and external auditors on strategic initiatives and audits.
- Partner with cross-functional leaders (Finance, HR, Legal) to align payroll strategy with broader organizational goals.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business, HR, or similar.
- 8+ years of payroll experience, including multi-state and international payroll administration.
- 4+ years of people management experience, including experience managing senior individual contributors.
- Deep, current knowledge of payroll regulations, compliance requirements, and industry best practices.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional or strategic initiatives using formal project management practices.
- High ethical standards with strong attention to confidential and sensitive data.
- Ability to communicate effectively and build trust with executive leadership, external stakeholders, and payroll customers and partners.
- Proven Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
Preferred Qualifications
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP).
- Experience working with payroll systems, ideally ADP Global View and ADP Celergo.
- Experience with Internal Controls under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act related to public companies.
- Experience with balance sheet reconciliations and accounting for payroll and benefits.
Compensation & Benefits
- Annual salary range: $133,500 - $220,300. The actual salary offered will be determined based on education, relevant skills, work history, certifications, location, and other factors within the range.
- May be eligible to participate in an annual incentive program. Incentive awards, if granted, are based on individual and/or organizational performance.
- Comprehensive benefits package supporting health, well-being, and financial security. Benefits are country-specific and aligned with local laws and market practices.
Location
Hybrid out of the office in Minneapolis, MN, or remote (open to remote).