Senior Payroll Operations Manager

Description

We are seeking a seasoned, strategic, and highly detail-oriented Senior Manager of Payroll Operations to lead and scale our complex, multi-jurisdictional payroll function. This is a mission-critical leadership role responsible for ensuring the timely, accurate, and compliant processing of payroll for a large and dynamic workforce.

The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of progressive payroll leadership experience, with a proven track record managing large, high-volume payroll operations (20,000+ employees preferred), leading teams, implementing process improvements, and navigating complex regulatory and compliance requirements. This role demands a strong command of payroll systems, exceptional leadership capabilities, and the ability to manage risk while driving operational excellence.

• Lead end-to-end payroll operations across multiple pay groups, jurisdictions, and entities
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of regular, off-cycle, bonus, and termination payrolls
• Drive the execution of audits, reconciliations, and controls to ensure data integrity
• Oversee payroll funding, general ledger interfaces, and labor allocations
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local tax laws and labor regulations

• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of payroll managers, leads, and specialists
• Establish operational KPIs, dashboards, and SLAs to track and report performance
• Partner with Finance, HR, Legal, and IT to streamline processes and improve cross-functional outcomes
• Lead payroll transformation and automation initiatives, including system upgrades, integrations, and vendor evaluations

• Maintain strong internal controls and ensure SOX and audit readiness
• Respond to audits, inquiries, and escalations from government agencies, internal departments, and external partners
• Oversee year-end processing, including W-2s, tax reconciliation, and distribution

• Bachelor's degree in business, accounting or related field and 10+ years of progressive payroll leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior management role. Additional years of relevant Payroll experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Proven experience managing payroll for a large, complex, multi-state (or multi-country) organization
• Deep expertise in federal, state, and local payroll compliance and tax regulations
• Strong experience with payroll systems such as UKG (UltiPro), Workday, ADP, SAP, or Costpoint
• Experience implementing or upgrading payroll systems or integrating with HRIS/ERP platforms
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

• CPP certification preferred
• Experience in union, government contractor, or hourly/salaried mixed environments
• Familiarity with garnishments, multi-state taxation, and payroll accounting