Payroll Manager

About Accolade
Accolade (Nasdaq: ACCD) provides millions of people and their families with an exceptional healthcare experience that is personal, data driven and value based to help every person live their healthiest life. Accolade solutions combine virtual primary care, mental health support and expert medical opinion services with intelligent technology and best-in-class care navigation. Accolade’s Personalized Healthcare approach puts humanity back in healthcare by building relationships that connect people and their families to the right care at the right time to improve outcomes, lower costs and deliver consumer satisfaction. Accolade consistently receives consumer satisfaction ratings over 90%. For more information, visit accolade.com.

Role overview  

The Payroll Manager is responsible for leading Accolade’s US and Canadian payroll processing and operations.  We are seeking a leader for our payroll team who is a hands-on manager with experience using Workday and ADP Smart Compliance for planning and execution of bi-weekly payroll.

Our team is called People & Culture (P&C) instead of Human Resources because we are more than just your typical HR department - we’re a lean and mean team of tenacious, trusted advisors who deliver world class programs for the employees that are building Accolade into a great and enduring business focused on helping our customers’ employees and their families lead their healthiest lives and navigate very complex and costly healthcare decisions through empathy and technology.

A day in the life…

• Manage the day-to-day activities of the payroll operations team to ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll transactions including salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions.  Serve as the escalation point for payroll-related inquiries, payroll discrepancies and payroll guidance to managers and employees.

• Ensure data integrity and confidentiality in payroll processing, working to implement best practices in payroll data management.

• Manage payroll tax filings, audits, and reporting, ensuring full compliance with statutory requirements.

• Collaborate closely with HRIS, People & Culture, Finance, and Legal teams to develop and implement efficient payroll processes that align with company objectives.

• Identify and drive improvements in payroll systems and procedures to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.

• Ensure payroll system is configured in compliance with federal, state, and local laws by establishing controls, monitoring results, and collaborating with other control partners.

• Partner closely with HRIS team to test system and process changes impacting payroll.

• Stay current with industry trends, best practices, and changes in payroll legislation to ensure the organization remains compliant and competitive.

• Collaborate with vendors to ensure maximum value, system performance and compliance with service level agreements.

• Manage the year end payroll processes for US and Canada ensuring completeness and accuracy.

• Oversee preparation and retention of payroll records and documentation in support of internal controls, audits and SOX compliance.

• Lead, manage and coach the payroll team to meet the evolving needs of our business and create an environment of individual and shared accountability.

• Other duties as needed.

What we are looking for…

• 5-7 years of progressive payroll experience in a complex corporation.

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably with degree in HR, Accounting, Business, Finance or equivalent work experience.

• Must have experience with processing payroll using Workday.

• Experience managing payroll across all states and Canada, required (global experience a bonus). 

• 2+ years of payroll team management experience

• Experience with ADP Smart Compliance is a plus

• Excellent team building, mentoring, collaboration, and leadership abilities.  You demonstrate the ability to lead and motivate others in accomplishing goals and serve as a role model in creating a positive work environment.

• Demonstrated ability to quickly build relationships and influence others, regardless of level

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills to interface between technical and non-technical personnel

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