Payroll Manager

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Manager with Professional Employer Organization (PEO) experience to lead and oversee payroll operations for a multi-state workforce. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing, managing payroll systems and reporting, and serving as a key partner to Human Resources, Finance, and external vendors. The ideal candidate will have deep knowledge of payroll regulations, tax compliance, benefits deductions, and PEO environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for exempt, nonexempt, salaried, hourly, and temporary employees.
• Oversee payroll activities in a PEO environment, including coordination with the PEO provider on payroll, tax filings, benefits administration, and compliance matters.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, payroll tax regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Review and reconcile payroll data, earnings, deductions, garnishments, bonuses, commissions, and PTO balances.
• Lead payroll month-end and year-end activities, including W-2 processing, audits, and account reconciliations.
• Maintain and improve payroll controls, policies, and procedures to support accuracy, confidentiality, and operational efficiency.
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies, employee inquiries, and tax issues in a timely manner.
• Partner with Human Resources on employee onboarding, offboarding, benefits changes, and leave administration as they impact payroll.
• Collaborate with Finance and Accounting on general ledger entries, accruals, and payroll reporting.
• Support payroll system implementations, upgrades, integrations, and process improvements.
• Prepare payroll reports and analytics for leadership, audits, and compliance reviews.
• Supervise and mentor payroll staff, as applicable.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership responsibility.
• Prior experience managing payroll in a PEO environment is required.
• Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll processing, payroll taxes, garnishments, and wage and hour compliance.
• Experience with payroll and HRIS platforms such as Workday, ADP, Paychex, UKG, or similar systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and payroll reporting.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• CPP certification is a plus.