Sr. Payroll Manager

Overview

The Senior Payroll Manager leads and oversees all aspects of payroll operations for a complex, multi-state, multi-entity organization with 2,000+ employees. This role ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing while maintaining adherence to all applicable federal, state, and local payroll regulations.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, hands-on payroll leader experienced in high-volume payroll operations. This position partners closely with Human Resources, Finance, and Accounting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the end-to-end payroll process for 2,000+ employees across multiple states and legal entities, ensuring payroll is accurate, timely, and compliant.
• Direct the collection, validation, calculation, and documentation of payroll data for regular, off-cycle, bonus, and special payroll processing.
• Review and approve payroll calculations, deductions, earnings, taxes, garnishments, and direct deposits prior to payroll submission.
• Oversee payroll account reconciliations and ensure accuracy of payroll-related general ledger entries.
• Conduct regular payroll audits to verify data integrity and maintain accurate employee payroll records.
• Review, audit, and approve employee timecards, timekeeping systems, and time clock records to ensure accurate wage calculations.
• Maintain accurate payroll account balances and supporting documentation for financial reporting, workers’ compensation, and audit requirements.
• Manage and mentor an off-shore team of payroll specialists, providing guidance and support.
• Investigate and resolve complex payroll discrepancies, tax issues, and employee payroll inquiries.
• Collaborate with Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Benefits, and Operations to support organizational initiatives and ensure accurate employee data management.
• Recommend and implement best practices in payroll administration.
• Communicate payroll policies, changes, and updates to employees, HR, and management.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll tax laws, wage and hour regulations, garnishments, and payroll reporting requirements.
• Review and audit time clocks, time systems, and timecards.
• Manage State Unemployment Insurance (SUI) compliance, Employment Development Department (EDD) notices, ADP tax compliance, and other regulatory requirements.
• Ensure timely processing of incoming notifications (garnishments, inquiries, etc.).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive payroll administration experience, including at least 4 years in a payroll leadership or management role.
• Proven experience managing high-volume, multi-state and multi-entity payroll operations.
• Experience leading and managing offshore payroll teams.
• Extensive experience with Paylocity Payroll and HRIS.
• Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws, wage and hour regulations, payroll tax compliance, and employment regulations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Knowledge of ADP Systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and payroll software.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP).
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.
• Midwest time zone preferred.

Physical Demands

• Stand, walk, bend, and twist constantly.
• Sit for long periods of time.
• Sit in front of a monitor (screen(s)) for long periods of time.
• Frequent bilateral hand movements.
• Good finger dexterity.
• Tolerate noisy children, small, enclosed spaces, and noisy music.