Payroll Manager

Overview

This position is presented on behalf of a partner organization seeking a Payroll Manager located within the United States. The role offers an opportunity to lead payroll operations in a fast-expanding, tech-driven company dedicated to providing valuable services nationwide.

You will be responsible for managing intricate multi-state payroll processes to guarantee precise payments, regulatory adherence, and operational excellence across all employee compensation schemes. Close collaboration with People, Finance, and Legal teams is essential, acting as an expert on payroll strategy, reporting, auditing, and governance.

This role uniquely combines practical payroll administration with strategic duties such as compensation analysis, optimizing procedures, and compliance oversight, playing a pivotal part in developing a scalable payroll framework to support organizational growth and foster employee confidence.

Accountabilities

• Take full responsibility for payroll processing, ensuring employees receive accurate and punctual payments, inclusive of variable and incentive compensations.
• Ensure compliance with payroll regulations across various states, including registrations, tax filings, and timely response to governmental notices.
• Administer payroll and HR technology systems, maintaining appropriate configurations and workflows aligned with organizational needs.
• Oversee variable compensation management, including documentation, validation of payments, and conducting annual salary benchmarking exercises.
• Contribute to compensation strategy by analyzing market data, maintaining salary ranges, and identifying improvement opportunities.
• Lead payroll-related audits such as yearly payroll system inspections, 401(k) compliance reviews, and support external audits.
• Administer retirement plans, including digital 401(k) platforms and ensuring compliance with requisite regulations.
• Manage Workers’ Compensation programs, unemployment claims, and inquiries from the Department of Labor.
• Facilitate business expansion into new states by handling registrations and implementing state-specific payroll requirements.
• Maintain processes for employee timekeeping, provide training on payroll practices, and serve as a reliable resource for payroll inquiries.

Candidate Profile

• At least seven years of progressive payroll experience, with extensive multi-state payroll management responsibility.
• Demonstrated expertise in navigating payroll compliance across numerous state tax jurisdictions.
• Proficient with advanced HRIS and payroll platforms such as Rippling or equivalent systems.
• Experienced in administering digital 401(k) plans and handling retirement plan compliance activities.
• Strong skills in Excel or Google Sheets, including the use of formulas, pivot tables, data analysis, and reconciliation reporting.
• In-depth understanding of payroll compliance matters like tax filings, ACA reporting, W-2 compliance, 401(k) testing, and payroll audit processes.
• Knowledgeable about Workers’ Compensation regulations and state-specific payroll mandates.
• Analytical mindset capable of identifying inconsistencies, enhancing procedures, and preventing payroll discrepancies.
• Excellent communication skills suitable for interacting effectively with People, Finance, Legal departments, and employees.
• Able to juggle multiple tasks, work autonomously, and adapt quickly in dynamic environments.
• Experience with healthcare, clinical, or billable-hour payroll structures is an advantage.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive yearly salary ranging between $99,000 and $110,000 USD.
• Fully remote working model permitting work from any location within the United States.
• Flexible scheduling combined with an asynchronous communication culture.
• Opportunity to architect and enhance payroll systems in an expanding company.
• Collaborative work environment with exposure to cross-functional teams across People, Finance, and Legal.
• Chance to contribute to growth-focused and employee-centric operational initiatives.