Payroll Professional

A growing organization is seeking an experienced Payroll professional to oversee the end-to-end payroll function for a multi-state workforce of <1,000 employees. This is a highly visible, hands-on role responsible for ensuring payroll is processed accurately, timely, and in full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The Payroll Manager will also serve as the organization's internal payroll expert, partnering closely with HR, Finance, and employees while driving process improvements and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly and weekly payroll for exempt and non-exempt employees across multiple states.
• Administer payroll transactions including new hires, terminations, promotions, bonuses, retroactive pay, garnishments, benefit deductions, and off-cycle payrolls.
• Ensure compliance with payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
• Review payroll registers, reconciliations, and variance reports to ensure accuracy prior to payroll submission.
• Manage quarter-end and year-end payroll activities, including W-2 processing, tax filings, and payroll audits.
• Prepare payroll-related journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals, and reporting.
• Partner with HR and Finance to ensure compliance with benefits-related regulations, including ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and ERISA requirements.
• Serve as the primary resource for employee payroll questions and issue resolution.
• Develop and maintain payroll procedures and standard operating documentation.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes through automation, efficiency, and enhanced employee service.
• Support internal and external audits related to payroll and compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of hands-on payroll processing experience with direct ownership of payroll administration.
• Experience processing multi-state payroll for a mid-sized organization.
• Strong knowledge of payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and payroll compliance.
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now or comparable payroll/HRIS platforms.
• Strong analytical skills with experience preparing payroll reconciliations and general ledger entries.
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and customer service orientation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), PHR, or SHRM certification.