Payroll Manager

Job Summary: The Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing the payroll operations of the organization, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. This role involves managing payroll staff, maintaining payroll systems, and collaborating with HR, finance, and other departments to ensure that payroll processes are efficient, accurate, and aligned with the organization’s goals. The Payroll Manager also plays a key role in managing employee compensation, benefits deductions, tax withholdings, and reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll Processing:
• Oversee and manage the payroll processing cycle, ensuring timely and accurate payment of salaries, wages, bonuses, and other employee compensation.
• Review and approve payroll entries, including new hires, terminations, salary adjustments, and benefits deductions.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including tax withholding, garnishments, and reporting requirements.
• Payroll System Management:
• Maintain and optimize payroll systems, ensuring that they are configured to meet the organization’s needs and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with HR and IT teams to implement system updates, upgrades, and integrations with other HR and finance systems.
• Ensure data integrity and accuracy in the payroll system, conducting regular audits and reconciliation to prevent errors and discrepancies.
• Compliance and Reporting:
• Ensure compliance with all payroll-related laws and regulations, including FLSA, ACA, and other applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Prepare and submit required payroll tax filings, such as quarterly and annual tax reports (e.g., Form 941, W-2s).
• Generate and distribute payroll reports to HR, finance, and management teams, providing insights into payroll costs, trends, and variances.
• Employee Relations and Support:
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee payroll inquiries, resolving issues related to pay, deductions, taxes, and benefits.
• Communicate payroll policies and procedures to employees, ensuring they understand how payroll works and where to find relevant information.
• Provide guidance and support to HR and management teams on payroll-related matters, including compensation strategies and policy development.
• Team Leadership and Development:
• Manage and lead the payroll team, providing coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide feedback to ensure high performance and accountability within the payroll team.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment that encourages continuous learning and improvement.
• Process Improvement and Automation:
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and automation within the payroll function to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Work with HR, finance, and IT teams to streamline payroll processes, reduce manual work, and minimize errors.
• Stay current with industry best practices and emerging technologies in payroll management.
• Benefits and Compensation Administration:
• Oversee the administration of employee benefits deductions, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other voluntary benefits.
• Ensure accurate calculation and distribution of bonuses, commissions, and other variable compensation.
• Collaborate with HR to ensure that compensation practices are equitable, competitive, and aligned with organizational goals.
• Risk Management and Audits:
• Conduct regular payroll audits to ensure compliance with internal controls and identify potential risks or discrepancies.
• Work with internal and external auditors to facilitate payroll audits and ensure that all documentation is accurate and up-to-date.
• Develop and implement risk management strategies to protect the organization from payroll-related liabilities.
• Continuous Learning and Development:
• Stay current with changes in payroll laws, regulations, and industry trends, ensuring that the organization remains compliant and competitive.
• Participate in professional development and training opportunities to enhance payroll expertise and leadership skills.
• Share knowledge and insights with the payroll team and other stakeholders to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5 years of experience in payroll management or a related role, with a proven track record of managing complex payroll operations.
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws, regulations, and best practices, including tax withholdings, benefits deductions, and compliance reporting.
• Proficiency in using payroll software and systems (e.g., ADP, Paychex, Workday) and advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills, with a strong attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with employees, management, and external partners.