Payroll Manager

Manager, Payroll (North America)

(Relocation assistance available)
Function: Human Resources / Payroll Operations

Position Summary

We are seeking a Manager, Payroll (North America) to provide leadership within HR Operations, supporting U.S. and Canadian payroll functions. This role is responsible for overseeing end-to-end payroll operations for approximately 18,000 employees, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and service excellence across multiple payroll cycles.

The Manager will drive operational efficiency, process improvement, and customer satisfaction, while maintaining compliance with SOX, internal controls, and regulatory requirements. This position plays a highly visible role, partnering cross-functionally with Finance, HRIS, Tax, and other key stakeholders to deliver accurate and timely payroll processing.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Operations & Oversight

• Oversee full-cycle payroll processing for hourly and salaried employees across North America
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, including taxes, garnishments, deductions, and general ledger activities
• Manage payroll-related accounting activities, including G/L reconciliations and financial reporting
• Ensure timely processing of federal and state tax deposits, filings, and year-end reporting (W-2s, etc.)

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Payroll team
• Provide guidance on complex payroll issues and support team development
• Foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment focused on performance and service delivery

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with SOX controls, internal policies, and external regulations
• Maintain audit readiness and support internal and external audits
• Monitor and implement changes related to payroll laws and regulatory requirements
• Ensure data integrity, security, and proper controls across systems and vendors

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Compensation & Benefits, HRIS, Tax, Accounting, and HR teams
• Act as a liaison to resolve payroll-related issues across departments
• Collaborate with HR Operations to ensure data accuracy and alignment

Reporting & Analytics

• Oversee preparation of weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll reports
• Analyze payroll metrics and identify opportunities for improvement
• Provide required reporting for finance, legal, and leadership teams

Process Improvement & Systems

• Maintain and update payroll procedures and documentation
• Lead or support system enhancements, implementations, and testing
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and accuracy

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• 5 years of experience with in-house payroll systems and payroll operations
• Strong knowledge of payroll processes, tax regulations, and accounting principles
• Experience managing complex payroll environments and multi-cycle processing
• Proven leadership experience managing or mentoring teams
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SuccessFactors / Employee Central
• Exposure to complex HR processes impacting payroll
• Strong background in compliance, tax, and accounting procedures
• Experience implementing changes to payroll or timekeeping systems

Nice to Have

• Experience in manufacturing or hourly workforce environments
• Hands-on experience with SOX controls, testing, and audit support

Additional Information

• Relocation assistance is available