Payroll Manager

Position Summary:

Puttshack is seeking a strategic and experienced Payroll Manager to lead the payroll team and overall payroll functions in a fast-paced, multi-state, and multi-location environment. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing for both hourly and salaried employees, while maintaining compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. Reporting into Finance, the Payroll Manager will manage the payroll team, lead audits and special projects, oversee system optimizations and implementations, and collaborate with cross-functional partners to optimize overall processes and support business objectives. The incumbent will also administer any changes and/or implementations related to payroll processes, and will be a subject matter expert on all legal updates and regulations applicable in the jurisdictions we operate in. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in multi-state payroll for dynamic teams (including tips and commissions), strong leadership skills, and a commitment to delivering excellent service to internal stakeholders.

Leadership and Team Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of payroll professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence.
• Provide thought leadership, training, and mentorship to direct reports and others across functional areas. Facilitate management and employee understanding of payroll procedures
• Set team goals, manage workloads, and provide guidance to ensure timely and accurate payroll processing.
• Facilitate payroll training and communication initiatives across the organization, including office managers and other key contacts, to improve understanding of payroll policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with Operations leadership and HR Operations to oversee the local payroll data collection across multiple locations and ensure efficient and accurate centralized processing.

Payroll Operations:

• Manage the full-cycle payroll process for hourly and salaried associates across weekly and semi-monthly pay schedules, including various compensation structures such as commission, tips, and bonuses.
• Ensure compliance with multi-state payroll laws, including those related to tip pooling, spread-of-hours pay, overtime, and local tax regulations.
• Oversee the processing of garnishments, benefits deductions, 401(k) contributions, and tax withholdings, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Address and resolve payroll discrepancies, collaborating with managers and third-party vendors as needed.
• Lead all aspects of year-end payroll processing, including W-2 preparation and distribution.
• Collaborate with HR and business leaders across the organization, and support HR in communicating payroll strategy, issues, and changes
• Continuously evaluate current payroll processes; design short-term and long-term strategies for improvement in payroll operations leading to best practices in all aspects of the payroll process
• Other duties as assigned.

Audits and Compliance:

• Manage and oversee all audits, including 401(k) and year-end processes, ensuring accuracy and timely submission of required documentation.
• Stay updated on tax laws, wage orders, and benefit regulations impacting payroll compliance across all jurisdictions.
• Respond promptly to tax notices, wage garnishments, and government inquiries in partnership with vendors.
• Act as the main point of contact for external auditors or other vendor partnerships for special projects as assigned.

Process Improvement and Systems Management:

• Continuously evaluate payroll processes to identify opportunities for efficiency and accuracy improvements.
• Act as the primary contact internally and with external vendors for payroll systems, overseeing upgrades, integrations, optimizations, and automation projects.
• Collaborate with HR, IT, and Finance teams to ensure seamless data flow and system functionality.
• Develop and maintain payroll-related reports, including productivity hours, overtime, PTO, and bonus pay.
• Creatively troubleshoot and manage complex problems.

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or a related field
• 8 years of payroll experience, including 5 years of management, in a multi-state, high-volume environment, including various pay schedules and compensation structures that include tip pooling, non-exempt, commission, and variable.
• Experience with hospitality payroll or tip calculation required
• Experience in the hospitality, retail, food & beverage, social entertainment, or similar industry preferred.
• Expertise in payroll systems (ADP WFN preferred) and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Excellence in communication, change management, coaching, and presentation skills. Able to communicate in the English language, both verbally and in writing with all levels of organization.
• Must have a high level of integrity and confidentiality with strong planning and organizational skills and the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• In-depth knowledge of payroll laws and regulations
• Proven experience managing 401(k) audits and collaborating with external auditors.
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of developing and managing high-performing teams.
• Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and organizational abilities.
• Experience managing audits, tax filings, and compliance for large, multi-state workforces.

Physical activities on a continuous basis, sit at desk for a long period of time; frequent use of telephone/video conferencing and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means. Some walking and lifting, up to 25 lbs. may be required. The noise level in the work environment is typically low to moderate. The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and responsibilities.