Senior Payroll Manager

Description:

Role Overview:

We are seeking a meticulous and highly organized Payroll Lead to oversee and direct our end-to-end payroll operations. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring that all employees are paid accurately and on time while maintaining strict compliance with evolving tax laws and labor regulations. This role requires a blend of technical expertise in payroll systems, a deep understanding of accounting principles, and the ability to collaborate effectively across HR and Finance departments.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Payroll Processing & Execution:

- Cycle Management: Direct and execute weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly payroll runs with 100% accuracy.

- Calculations: Oversee complex salary calculations, including overtime, bonuses, commissions, and shift differentials.

- Deductions: Manage all voluntary and involuntary deductions, including taxes, insurance premiums, retirement contributions, and garnishments.

- Disbursement: Ensure the seamless execution of direct deposits and physical checks where applicable.

2. Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

- Legal Adherence: Maintain a deep understanding of state and local tax laws and labor regulations to ensure full compliance.

- Reporting: Manage all periodic tax filings and regulatory reporting requirements.

- Risk Management: Stay updated on legislative changes that impact payroll and implement necessary adjustments to systems and processes.

3. Data Integrity & System Management

- Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records in the Payroll/HRIS system.

- Lifecycle Updates: Process payroll changes related to new hires, terminations, transfers, and status changes.

- System Optimization: Act as the primary administrator for payroll software and integrated timekeeping systems.

4. Reporting, Auditing & Strategy

- Financial Reporting: Generate monthly, quarterly, and year-end payroll reports for management review.
- Account Balancing: Reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts and resolve discrepancies.

- Audit Support: Lead and support internal and external audits by providing necessary documentation and process explanations.
- Process Improvement: Develop, implement, and update payroll policies and procedures to enhance efficiency and internal controls.

Essential Skills & Qualifications:

- Industry Knowledge: Expert-level understanding of payroll laws, multi-state tax regulations (if applicable), and fundamental accounting principles.

- Technical Proficiency:

- Advanced experience with enterprise payroll software (e.g., ADP, Workday, Paychex, or SAP).

- Mastery of timekeeping systems and automated attendance tracking.

- High proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables).

- Problem Solving: Proven ability to resolve payroll discrepancies and address complex employee inquiries with a service-oriented mindset.

- Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional communication skills for effective collaboration with HR, Finance, and Accounting teams.

- Education: Bachelors /Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Professional certification (e.g., CPP - Certified Payroll Professional) is highly preferred.