Responsibilities
- Own end-to-end multi-state payroll execution for assigned pay groups, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and on-time delivery.
- Serve as the process owner for payroll: maintain SOPs, define controls, and drive standardization across integrated entities.
- Partner with Finance to ensure payroll-to-GL alignment, support accruals, and deliver recurring payroll reporting and analytics.
- Lead payroll month-end/quarter-end/year-end activities, including reconciliations and audit support.
- Oversee payroll data integrity across HRIS/payroll systems (e.g., UKG), including audits and troubleshooting.
- Manage, coach, and develop more junior Payroll Manager as well as Payroll Processors/Admins; set clear expectations, review work quality, and ensure cross-coverage.
- Build scalable workflows and training to support growth, acquisitions, and changing pay group complexity.
- Monitor changes in federal, state, and local payroll regulations and ensure timely implementation and communication.
- Triage and resolve escalated employee inquiries related to pay, taxation, deductions, and benefits.
- Coordinate with Benefits/Total Rewards and external partners to ensure accurate deductions, 401(k) changes/funding, and benefit reconciliations.
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams (HR, IT, Finance, and acquired-firm stakeholders) to onboard new entities and implement new processes/systems.
- Lead system audits and data migration activities to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to reduce errors, improve cycle time, and strengthen controls.
Requirements
- Minimum of 7+ years of experience in multi-state payroll processing, with increasing responsibility.
- 2+ years experience leading or managing a team (directly or as a lead) and owning a payroll process end-to-end.
- Strong knowledge of payroll systems, benefits administration, and compliance requirements. UKG experience highly preferred.
- Proven experience preparing, reconciling, and filing monthly, quarterly, and annual federal, state, and local payroll tax returns (Forms 941, 940, state withholding, state unemployment, etc.).
- Strong working knowledge of multi-state tax compliance, including state-specific deposit schedules and filing requirements.
- Experience with quarterly payroll tax reconciliations and resolving variances between payroll registers, general ledger, and tax filings.
- Familiarity with electronic filing systems (e.g., EFTPS, state portals, local tax agency sites).
- Demonstrated ability to research, resolve, and respond to tax notices from federal, state, and local agencies.
- Experience preparing amended returns (941-X or state equivalents) when errors are identified.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and payroll software (e.g., UKG, Rippling, Paycom etc.).
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
Nice to Have
- Strongly preferred: background in either benefits administration OR US payroll taxation (or both).
- Certification in Payroll (e.g., CPP) or Project Management (e.g., PMP) is a plus.
- Experience with HRIS systems and data migration processes.
- Familiarity with merger and acquisition processes and integration strategies.
Benefits
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (with options for fully paid employee only coverage for health and dental)
- Company-Paid Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Ancillary Benefits such as supplemental life insurance and short-term disability options
- Classic Safe Harbor 401(k) Plan with employer contributions
- Opportunities for professional growth, learning, and development including access to Becker and LinkedIn Learning
Additional Information
- Flexible working hours may be required to accommodate project timelines and deadlines.
