Senior HRIS & Payroll Manager

The Sr. HRIS & Payroll Manager is a critical shared-services leader responsible for overseeing accurate, compliant, and timely payroll operations across NexCore Group and its operating subsidiary, Experience Senior Living (ESL). This role serves as both the operational owner of end-to-end payroll processing and the functional lead for payroll system optimization within UKG. This position requires a strong balance of deep payroll expertise and advanced HRIS/UKG capability, leveraging the system to improve workflows, controls, scalability, data integrity, and team member service. The HRIS/Payroll Sr. Manager will drive continuous improvement by reducing manual work, strengthening upstream/downstream handoffs, automating processes where possible, and elevating the overall payroll customer experience. This is not a transactional role alone; it is a systems-enabled, process-driven leadership position that ensures payroll is correct, auditable, scalable, and service-oriented. This position is hybrid with a expectation of minimum 3 days in our Denver office. Key Responsibilities UKG / HRIS Payroll Systems Ownership & Optimization Serve as the functional owner of UKG as it relates to payroll execution, timekeeping integration, workflow design, and data integrity Own payroll-related system configuration, maintenance, testing, and continuous optimization within UKG Identify and eliminate manual workarounds by leveraging UKG features, workflow redesign, automation, and reporting enhancements Lead payroll testing and validation for UKG upgrades, enhancements, implementations, and configuration changes Build and maintain payroll controls and exception reporting to proactively prevent errors (rather than reacting after payroll runs) Partner with People/HR and Operations to ensure upstream HRIS actions (job changes, compensation, transfers, terminations, LOAs) are processed accurately and timely to prevent downstream payroll issues Partner with IT and vendors as needed, acting as the payroll HRIS "business owner" and ensuring solutions align with payroll operations and service standards Payroll Operations & Accuracy Partner with the Payroll Manager to oversee end-to-end payroll processing for multi-entity, multi-state populations across NexCore and ESL Ensure payroll is processed accurately, timely, and in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations Oversee payroll calendars, cutoffs, controls, validation checks, and payroll closing procedures Process Design & Workflow Efficiency Evaluate and redesign payroll workflows to improve efficiency, reduce manual effort, and minimize compliance and audit risk Establish clear standard operating procedures (SOPs), internal controls, and escalation paths Partner with People Operations to ensure seamless handoffs between HR, Payroll, and Accounting Evaluate decisions through both a strategic and practical lens, balancing immediate priorities with downstream impacts to staffing, workflow, cost, risk, and team effectiveness Drive continuous improvement initiatives as the organization scales and as new communities and corporate growth occur Customer Service & Team Member Experience Serve as a trusted point of contact for team members and leaders on payroll-related questions Ensure payroll support is responsive, clear, and service-oriented, with an emphasis on solving root causes, not repeating fixes Create communication tools, job aids, and FAQs to proactively address common payroll questions Balance compliance rigor with a strong employee experience mindset Establish payroll service standards and metrics (ex: response times, inquiry volume trends, recurring issue identification) Reconciliations, Audit & Compliance Perform and oversee payroll reconciliations (pre- and post-payroll) Partner with Accounting to ensure accurate payroll accounting, accruals, and GL alignment Support internal and external audits, including documentation, controls, and reporting Partner with the Payroll Manager to ensure compliance with wage and hour laws, payroll tax requirements, garnishments, and required reporting Accounting & Finance Partnership Act as a strong cross-functional partner to Accounting and Finance on: Payroll journal entries Accruals and reconciliations Audit readiness and documentation Process alignment between payroll and financial reporting Support month-end and year-end payroll close activities Skills, Knowledge, & Expertise Required 10+ years of progressive payroll experience, including ownership of end-to-end payroll processing Experience supporting multi-state and multi-entity payroll operations Advanced HRIS expertise with demonstrated ability to leverage payroll systems to optimize workflows, controls, and employee service Strong UKG proficiency required (UKG Pro or UKG Ready), including configuration, testing, reporting, and payroll/timekeeping integration knowledge Strong working knowledge of payroll laws, wage and hour compliance, and tax requirements Demonstrated ability to design and improve payroll processes and workflows using data, systems, and operational best practices High attention to detail with the ability to manage complexity and competing deadlines Strong customer service orientation, executive-level communication skills, and ability to build credibility across teams Preferred Payroll experience in real estate, healthcare, senior living, or similarly complex environments Prior functional leadership involvement in UKG implementation, upgrades, reconfiguration, or payroll/timekeeping redesign CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) designation or in progress Experience supporting rapid growth / scaling organizations Experience leading team members with a balanced approach that fosters engagement, drives performance, and reinforces accountability Key Competencies UKG / HRIS-driven payroll optimization Operational excellence and accuracy Process improvement mindset Systems and data orientation Service-driven leadership Strong judgment and discretion Cross-functional collaboration Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment Benefits Compensation: $100,000 - $115,000 / year Eligible for discretionary benefits: annual performance bonus target Eligible for standard employee benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, FSA, HSA, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance (employee and dependents), Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), vacation days, sick days, and other benefits Disclaimer To All Recruitment Agencies - NexCore Group does not accept unsolicited third-party resumes. NexCore Group knows that when we welcome different points of view, it makes us better, stronger, and moves us boldly forward in becoming a world-class company. That is why we're proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage all qualified talent to apply. Your application will be reviewed regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status. If you are interested in applying for a position with NexCore Group and need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website, please contact 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