Payroll Manager

We are looking for an experienced Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations for a non-profit organization. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented candidate who can drive accurate, compliant payroll delivery while partnering across HR, Accounting, Benefits, and external vendors. The role will oversee payroll administration, tax compliance, reporting, and system-related activities while supporting a high standard of service, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:

• Direct end-to-end payroll processing across biweekly and semi-monthly cycles, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on schedule.

• Manage payroll compliance activities by enforcing internal policies and aligning processes with federal, state, and local regulations.

• Lead payroll tax administration, including registrations, reconciliations, required filings, and year-end reporting such as W-2 and W-2C preparation.

• Administer payroll system settings and structure, including pay groups, earnings, deductions, and general ledger mappings, while coordinating support and issue resolution with system partners.

• Oversee testing and validation for payroll system updates, enhancements, and related process changes to maintain reliable operations.

• Supervise benefit deduction processing and reconciliation, partnering with Human Resources, vendors, and Accounting to address invoices, funding needs, and payment requests.

• Ensure payroll transactions are accurately reflected in financial records and support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities through reporting and analysis.

• Investigate payroll and accounting variances, prepare audit-ready documentation, and provide reporting for compliance reviews and internal stakeholders.

• Coach and support payroll team members by setting priorities, promoting cross-training, and strengthening a collaborative, service-focused environment.

• Identify opportunities to improve payroll procedures, internal controls, and workflows to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field is preferred.
• At least 7 years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership responsibility within a payroll function.
• Demonstrated success managing multi-company and multi-state payroll operations for large employee populations.
• Strong knowledge of full-cycle payroll processing, payroll tax compliance, reconciliations, and payroll accounting practices.
• Experience working with payroll platforms such as ADP Workforce Now, UKG Pro, or similar systems used for payroll and workforce management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications for reporting, analysis, and documentation.
• Ability to lead payroll-related projects, manage system administration activities, and coordinate effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners.