Payroll Manager

Position Summary:

The Payroll Manager leads  day-to-day payroll operations across U.S. locations, ensuring payroll is processed accurately, timely, and in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.  This role provides leadership to the payroll team, drives process improvements, and partners cross-functionally with HR, Finance, IT and Legal to support payroll systems, reporting, and strategic initiatives.   

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee full-cycle payroll processing for assigned domestic locations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with all regulatory requirements.  Monitor changes in payroll-related laws and regulations and ensure processes are updated accordingly.  Lead payroll audits and ensure readiness for internal and external reviews,  Resolve complex payroll issues and provide escalation support as needed. 
• Manage, coach, and develop payroll staff, promoting a high-performance team environment.  Lead cross-training and knowledge-sharing initiatives to reduce single-point dependency.  Monitor workload distribution and adjust priorities to ensure deadlines are met.  Provide ongoing feedback and support employee development and succession planning.
• Responsible for supervising the payroll process for respective locations from opening a payroll to closing the period. Ensure a timely transmission of the payroll files to ADP and Paycom for check printing and tax filing and trouble shoot problems.
• Manage payroll-related month-end and year end close activities consisting of journal entries,  Accruals (e.g., vacation, sick, bonus-related), manage, execute and ensure timely submission of the US W-2 Yearly tax filing.
• Partner with HR, Finance, Legal and plant leadership to support reporting, compliance, and payroll-related initiatives.  Provide payroll insights and analysis to support decision-making.  Ensure clear and consistent communication on payroll policies, changes, and issues.  
• Maintain and document necessary payroll rule changes in UKG WFM time keeping  system such as changes in payroll schedules, and updates in payroll reporting compliance with regulatory agencies and CBA agreement changes.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance or related field (or equivalent experience)      
• 5+ years  of progressive full cycle payroll experience, including leadership responsibilities    
• Multi-state payroll experience      
• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, tax compliance, and audit processes    
• CPP Certificate preferred                                          
• Experience with payroll systems (e.g., ADP, UKG WFM/timekeeping system, Paycom) 
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

Knowledge and Skills:

• Through knowledge of payroll processing requirements and excellent communication skills.
• Ability to perform arithmetical and algebraic calculations to perform payroll activities.
• Ability to accurately interpret and apply policies, procedures, and laws related to payroll activities.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office products
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively in sensitive and confidential issues by telephone, in writing, and in face-to-face contacts with employees at all levels.   
• Strong customer service orientation      
• Desire to create and implement process improvement intitatives.