Payroll Manager

Position Summary:

We are seeking a hands-on Payroll Manager to own the payroll function for a growing Private-Equity backed organization. This role is responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of multi-state and Canadian payroll, supported by ADP, while serving as the primary liaison between employees, management, HR, finance and accounting. The position will also ensure payroll-related journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and necessary financial reporting support are completed accurately and on schedule.

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll Operations:

Manage end-to-end payroll processing for Canadian and multi-state U.S. employees using ADP Workforce Now (or equivalent ADP platform). This includes:

• Full biweekly payroll cycle (prepare, audit, adjust, reconcile, stop payment, manuals, one-off runs).
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
• Monitor and reconcile ADP changes (new hires, terms, promotions, tax changes).
• Manage adjustments, prepare analytics, review metrics and submit pay files to ADP.
• File tax reports, voluntary deduction reports, and process involuntary deductions (levies, jurisdictions, and garnishments) and completing surveys as required.
• Response to payroll related inquiries from employees, management and regulators.
• Manage time and attendance process with managers, including the resolution of exceptions.
• Work with HR to ensure accurate pay codes and proper deductions/ reporting for benefit programs.
• Work with ADP to manage state/local withholding changes and the resolution of any errors.
• Manage and reconcile the funding of benefit accounts (401k, HAS, FSA, RRSP, etc.)
• Owns quarterly and year-end payroll activities, including W-2 / T-4 forms, payroll tax reconciliations, regulatory reporting, etc.
• Serve as subject matter expert for payroll policies, procedures, and system administration.
• Stay current on legislative and industry changes that affect payroll operations globally.
• Train Sr. Accounting backup processor and ensure ongoing re-training and validation.

Payroll Accounting, Close Activities, M&A and Business Partnership

• Maintain strong payroll controls and segregation of duties in compliance with company policies and audit requirements.
• Lead payroll due diligence activities for acquisitions and divestitures. This includes internal control and process review, tax registrations & compliance review, system integration, etc.
• Prepare, review, and validate payroll-related journal entries, accruals, reclasses, etc.
• Reconcile payroll-related balance sheet accounts including accrued wages, payroll taxes, bonus accruals, PTO / vacation liabilities, employee benefit liabilities, 401(k) and retirement plan obligations
• Support the FP&A team in the preparation of budgets and forecasts as required.
• Assist with ACA, benefits, and 401K audits and other regulatory audits as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field; or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years’ progressive payroll experience managing a comprehensive payroll process with 3+ as a manager or supervisor.
• Must have the Certified Payroll Professional (CCP) certification.
• Extensive experience processing payroll through ADP Workforce Now or similar payroll platforms.
• Experience with multi-state Payrolls and both exempt and non-exempt employees; experience with international Payroll is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of payroll accounting, general ledger processes, and month-end close activities.
• Experience preparing payroll journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and variance analyses.
• Strong understanding of payroll tax regulations and compliance requirements.
• Exposure to various accounting software packages with at least an intermediate knowledge of Excel.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with different levels of management within the organization and to interact well with financial teams at other locations.
• Ability to develop and document policies and procedures, and to explain findings of analysis to others.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, efficiently works under pressures, within deadlines or other time essential constraints.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary Range: $100,000-$120,000, depending on location, experience, and qualifications.
• Annual-Incentive Plan (AIP): 5%
• Benefits coverage begins on the first day of employment, including the following:
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) company match
• Paid Time Off (15 days annually)
• Paid Holiday time (10 company-designated holidays)
• Tuition Assistance
• Additional benefits available with company package

This position has not been approved for Relocation Assistance.