Senior Manager, Payroll Operations

Payroll Senior Manager – Payroll Operations

The primary focus of this position is ensuring that the payroll process and related transactions are executed timely and accurately. The Payroll Senior Manager will oversee a team responsible for routine payroll runs as well as off-cycle requests, ensuring compliance with rules/regulations and company policies.  The position will constantly seek to optimize payroll processing to improve service levels, minimize errors/exceptions, and deliver a collective team performance inline with predetermined metrics and controls.  The Senior Manager will also be responsible for resolving escalations and partnering with key stakeholders to ensure reporting and other operational needs are met.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the overall payroll functions of a large multi-state shared services payroll department in carrying out responsibility for payroll preparation/processing for large-scale employee base
• Ensures adherence to the corporate payroll strategy and objectives
• Organizes and oversees planning and execution of the payroll function and related services
• Manages relationship with payroll provider and other outsourcers as applicable
• Collaborate cross-functionally with other departments (e.g., Finance, Benefits, HR, IT)
• Navigating payroll team through unexpected circumstances and/or instability
• Implements continuous strategic process improvements to maintain the quality, efficiency and overall effectiveness of the payroll functions and system of internal controls, to increase accuracy and decrease risk of fraud and errors
• Directs and evaluates activities of assigned payroll team and employees engaged in collecting and recording hours of work, processing time records, compiling payroll statistics, maintaining payroll control records, and calculating payroll
• Oversees and approves the payroll processing, payroll taxes, wage attachments
• Maintains payroll standard operating procedures and oversight of the adherence to policy and procedures, as well as internal controls
• Measures both individual and team performance relative to goals and objectives (i.e., operational metrics, adherence to predetermined SLAs, results against project timelines, training documentation, attendance records, knowledge of operational roles and responsibilities, personal development goals)
• Ensures compliance with internal policies and controls, as well as compliance with external laws and regulatory guidance (e.g., SOX)
• Responsible for oversight of payroll related accounting journal entries and reconciliations
• Serve as payroll contact for internal audits, external audits, and government audits, as needed
• Maintain data integrity and confidentiality in Workday, adhering to privacy and security policies

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required; degree in accounting, finance or related business preferred
• Experience in payroll for a large multi-state company as a manager or other leadership role
• Eight or more years of experience in Payroll, Accounting, Business, Finance, Labor Relations, Process Improvement or related field
• Proficient understanding of payroll processes, controls, financial compliance, and regulations
• Experience managing third party vendors, preferably in a shared services environment
• Experience with payroll applications and service providers (e.g., Kronos) is preferred
• Proficient in Workday, with a strong understanding of capabilities and functionality
• Knowledge of Workday reporting tools to generate payroll reports and analyze data for auditing and/or compliance purposes
• Ability to configure and maintain payroll-related modules in Workday
• Skilled in troubleshooting and resolving payroll-related issues in Workday, such as payroll errors, tax discrepancies, and wage garnishments
• Stay up-to-date with the latest Workday releases and updates, continuously expanding knowledge and skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in order to communicate with customers, peers, and vendors
• A sense of urgency in solving customer requests to ensure timely resolution and an ability to work under pressure, multi-task, and meet deadlines
• Ability to influence others, identify problems, and recommend a course of action
• Experience in improving payroll processes to maximize efficiency and deliver quality services
• Ability to process complex information and quickly identify innovative solutions that meet both internal and business partner requirements
• Comfortable in handling ambiguity and fluid situations, demonstrating a pragmatic approach
• Experience in providing independent technical guidance and counsel to key stakeholders at various level of