Payroll Manager

Payroll Manager

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Payroll Manager to lead our payroll team and ensure nationwide compliance with wage and hour regulations, taxation laws, and payroll best practices. This position plays a strategic role in shaping payroll operations, partnering with leadership to align payroll processes with organizational goals, and conducting internal audits to maintain compliance and efficiency. The Payroll Manager will lead the payroll function, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to applicable laws while delivering excellent customer service to employees across the organization.

What you will do

The Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing the payroll process to ensure accurate and timely payment of wages to employees. This role involves managing payroll staff, ensuring compliance with payroll laws and regulations, and implementing policies and procedures to improve payroll operations. The Payroll Manager will also handle payroll audits, resolve discrepancies, and work closely with other departments to support overall financial and human resources operations.

Key Responsibilities

Compliance Management:

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, taxation requirements, and reporting regulations.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes, updating payroll processes and policies as needed.
• Partner with legal and HR teams to address complex compliance matters.

Strategic Oversight:

• Develop and implement payroll strategies that align with organizational objectives and support business goals.
• Provide insights and recommendations to leadership on payroll-related trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Serve as a key stakeholder in cross-departmental initiatives impacting payroll, such as system upgrades, policy changes, or workforce planning.

Payroll Operations:

• Manage and oversee payroll processing for employees across the nation, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Lead the resolution of payroll discrepancies and inquiries, delivering exceptional employee support.
• Collaborate with Finance and HR teams to ensure seamless payroll integration with benefits, taxes, and financial reporting.

Internal Auditing:

• Design and execute internal payroll audits to ensure data integrity, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to payroll processes, systems, and compliance.
• Establish controls and procedures to prevent and detect errors or fraud.

Leadership & Collaboration:

• Lead and mentor the payroll team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and excellence.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with HR, Finance, IT, and external vendors to enhance payroll operations.
• Act as the primary point of contact for payroll-related matters during internal and external audits.

What you will need

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field; CPP certification is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years’ payroll management experience, including multi-state operations, and a proven track record of managing payroll processes and staff.
• Knowledge of multi-state payroll processing, including California.
• Deep knowledge of wage and hour laws, payroll taxation, and compliance requirements.
• Experience designing and conducting payroll audits and implementing controls.
• Proficiency in payroll systems and software; experience with UKG is a major plus.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to partner effectively with diverse teams.
• Extensive understanding of payroll laws, regulations, and best practices. Proficiency with payroll software and systems.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Successful candidates must meet eligibility criteria, including the ability to undergo and successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screen in accordance with applicable State laws and regulations.
• Ability to provide documents for work authorization. We utilize E-Verify, an online system that allows us to confirm the eligibility of our employees to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in Payroll (e.g., CPP – Certified Payroll Professional).
• Experience with UKG Pro (Workforce Management) is strongly preferred.
• Experience in the hospitality industry is a plus.

Working Conditions:

• Office environment with standard working hours.
• Occasional overtime may be required during peak payroll periods.

Who We Are  

Founded in 1986, Thomas Cuisine is an award-winning, privately held contract food service company. We advocate the healing power of whole foods and believe in preparing scratch-made cuisine fresh each day. Every Thomas Cuisine team member is an ambassador, carrying out our mission, reflecting our values, and building relationships while "doing the right thing".    

What’s in it for you  

Benefits: 

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits with several plan options to choose from! 
• Generous Paid Time Off and Paid Leave Programs. 
• Employee referral program. 
• Access to wellness initiatives, financial planning, mental health assistance, and more. 

Wage range: $80,000 - $125,000 annually DOE

Our commitment to you

At Thomas Cuisine, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and where every individual feels a sense of belonging. We know that this commitment is an ongoing journey, and we will strive to improve and adapt as we grow. Our DEIB commitment is not just a statement but a living part of our company culture. 

REAL Food | Genuine Service | Enduring Relationships 

Salary : $80,000 - $125,000