Payroll Manager

Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Team Development Lead, mentor, and develop payroll team members to build a high-performing, service-driven department. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Establish clear goals, expectations, and performance standards for the payroll function. Promote cross-training and documentation to ensure continuity and risk mitigation. Payroll Operations Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for all employee groups, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements. Maintain deep expertise in IRS, DOL, and FLSA regulations; collaborate with the Controller, Assistant Controller, CFO, and Chief People & Culture Officer to ensure adherence to evolving requirements. Partner with the Benefits team to ensure payroll deductions, employer contributions, and benefit billings are reconciled and accurate. Collaborate with the Chief People & Culture Officer and People & Culture Directors to update team member policies, pay practices, and compensation-related procedures. Serve as WesleyLife's primary payroll contact, including communication with federal, state, and local agencies. Maintain and enhance payroll systems, workflows, and internal controls to reduce risk and improve efficiency. Review payroll registers, exception reports, and audits; research and resolve discrepancies promptly. Oversee payroll tax filings, wage garnishments, benefit deductions, and year-end processing and reporting (W-2s, amendments, and reconciliations). Support Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) submissions and ensure accuracy and timeliness of required data. Payroll Practices Policy Establishment & Oversight Lead the development, documentation, implementation, and ongoing oversight of payroll-related policies, procedures, and standard operating practices. Ensure payroll practices are consistently applied across the organization and aligned with organizational values, labor regulations, and internal control standards. Partner with People & Culture leadership, Finance, and internal audit to review, update, and approve payroll policies and practices. Monitor payroll-related risks and proactively recommend policy or process changes to mitigate compliance, financial, or operational exposure. Provide guidance and interpretation of payroll policies to leaders, managers, and People & Culture teams. Compliance & Governance Stay current with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, payroll tax requirements, and reporting obligations. Ensure payroll practices comply with legal, financial, and audit standards. Collaborate with Finance, People & Culture, and internal audit to support audits, compliance reviews, and regulatory inquiries. Maintain strong internal controls and documentation to support compliance and audit readiness. Reporting & Analytics Prepare, review, and deliver accurate payroll reports for Finance, People & Culture, and leadership, including labor cost analysis, payroll reconciliations, and compliance reporting. Partner with the Controller and Assistant Controller to support general ledger reconciliations, accruals, and financial reporting related to payroll. Provide payroll data and insights to support budgeting, forecasting, audits, and strategic decision-making. Ensure timely and accurate submission of all required internal and external payroll reports. Process Improvement & Technology Identify opportunities to automate, streamline, and modernize payroll processes. Collaborate with HRIS, Finance systems, and IT teams on payroll system upgrades, integrations, and enhancements. Implement best practices to enhance accuracy, efficiency, internal controls, and the employee experience. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Service Collaborate closely with People & Culture Directors, the Chief People & Culture Officer, Controller, and Assistant Controller to align payroll operations with organizational strategy and financial goals. Serve as a trusted partner to People & Culture and Finance by providing expertise, reporting, and guidance related to payroll data and practices. Deliver exceptional customer service by resolving employee payroll inquiries with professionalism, discretion, and clarity. QualificationsRequired Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience). 5+ years of payroll experience, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role. Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, tax rules, and wage-and-hour laws. Experience with major payroll or HRIS systems, preferably UKG. High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and analytical ability. Preferred Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or similar certification. Experience in multi-state payroll or a complex organizational structure. Experience leading process redesign or transformation initiatives. Key Leadership Competencies Integrity & Accountability: Leads with transparency and demonstrates strong judgment. Strategic Thinking: Sees the big picture while managing operational details effectively. Change Leadership: Drives improvements and manages change with confidence and clarity. Communication: Clearly explains payroll matters to both technical and non-technical audiences. Employee-Centered Mindset: Prioritizes accuracy, service, and responsiveness. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Created: 2026-03-04