Payroll Manager

Are you an experienced payroll leader with a strategic mindset and a passion for creating efficient, compliant processes? Our client is looking for a Payroll Manager to oversee payroll operations for a diverse workforce of 500 employees across multiple locations. In this role, you'll make an impact by ensuring payroll accuracy, navigating compliance challenges, and streamlining processes across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership: Manage and lead the payroll team, including payroll processors and prevailing wage specialists, providing hands-on guidance, direction, and oversight to ensure consistent and accurate operations. Develop team members through coaching, training, and mentorship programs to enhance their skills and support career growth.
• Compliance Oversight: Ensure the organization adheres to all employer regulations by managing registrations, maintaining state-specific accounts, filing required reports, and facilitating payments. Address discrepancies or issues with state and municipal authorities promptly. Monitor contract compliance related to prevailing wage laws and ensure timely and precise W-2 issuance and reporting.
• Policy Development: Partner with HR, finance, and legal teams to design and implement payroll and benefits policies that align with regulatory requirements, internal controls, and organizational values.
• Payroll Tax Management: Accurately calculate, submit, and reconcile payroll taxes while maintaining strict compliance with tax laws. Perform quarterly tax reconciliations to confirm the accuracy of filings.
• Audit Support: Conduct audits to verify timely and accurate employee payments. Provide comprehensive documentation for annual audits, including 401(k), ESOP, VEBA Captive Health Plan audits, and other required organizational reviews.
• Reporting: Prepare and submit payroll reports to government agencies as needed, while maintaining complete and accurate records. Share relevant payroll insights with internal teams to support business goals and decision-making.
• Employee Communications: Serve as the go-to expert for payroll compliance-related matters, offering guidance, resolving inquiries, and delivering clear, effective communications to employees.
• Process Improvements: Stay informed about industry trends, regulatory updates, and advancements in payroll technology to recommend and implement improvements that enhance operational efficiency and accuracy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field (preferred).
• Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years in payroll management, including multistate payroll, prevailing wage compliance, and overseeing teams. Experience working with large employee bases (500 ) is highly preferred.
• Technical Expertise: Familiarity with payroll software (e.g., ADP, Workday, or UKG) as well as advanced Excel and payroll tax reconciliation tools. CPP certification is a strong plus.
• Knowledge: In-depth understanding of payroll tax laws, compliance, and prevailing wage regulations. Proven experience developing policies and supporting audits is preferred.
• Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead teams, communicate effectively across departments, and foster an environment of continuous improvement.