Overview:
This role is hybrid and will require onsite presence at our facility in Highland Park, MI.
The Payroll Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing end‑to‑end payroll operations for a large, multi‑state workforce in a fast‑paced, high‑turnover environment. This role ensures payroll accuracy, regulatory compliance, and timely execution while managing a team of Payroll Specialists. The Payroll Manager serves as a trusted advisor to cross‑functional partners and acts as the primary liaison with payroll vendors, driving operational excellence, process standardization, and continuous improvement across U.S. payroll operations.
Responsibilities:
The Payroll Manager duties include but are not limited to:
- Oversee end‑to‑end payroll operations, ensuring adherence to all applicable federal, state, and local payroll, wage and hour laws, and FLSA requirements.
- Manage payroll inquiries and issue resolution, ensuring responses are timely, accurate, and compliant.
- Review payroll‑related journal entries, reconciliations, and variance analyses to ensure financial accuracy and integrity.
- Fulfill internal and external audit requests and support business partners through ad‑hoc reporting and routine payroll reconciliations.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll vendors and third‑party providers, including ADP and other external partners.
- Conduct payroll and timekeeping audits, reconciliations, tax filings, and year‑end processes, including W‑2 preparation and related regulatory reporting.
- Partner closely with the Person Office, Benefits, Finance, Operations, and other key stakeholders to support business decisions and provide expert payroll guidance on policy changes and compliance considerations.
- Develop, document, and maintain payroll standard operating procedures (SOPs) and internal controls to support consistency, compliance, and audit readiness.
- Drive process standardization and optimization across U.S. payroll operations by identifying opportunities for automation, simplification, and self‑service.
- Lead/coordinate employee trainings in-person/via team for orientation and process adoption.
- Leverage digital tools, analytics, and reporting to enhance payroll efficiency, accuracy, scalability, and employee experience.
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of Payroll Specialists, ensuring accountability, high performance, and professional growth in a high‑volume environment.
- Responsible for resolving tax issues and payroll related reconciling items including working with ADP tax Services, taxing authorities, accounting, and ADP customer\technical support
- Maintain and process annual escheatment’s to various state entities
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
- 5+ years of payroll management experience, including direct people leadership.
- Extensive multi‑state payroll experience, with strong expertise in California and Pennsylvania payroll regulations.
- High efficiency and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
- In‑depth knowledge of Federal, State, and Local tax jurisdictions, wage and hour laws, and FLSA.
- Hands‑on experience with UKG timekeeping systems.
- Experience working with ADP SmartCompliance and post‑payroll services.
- Proven ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, high‑turnover environment while supporting employees with varying skill levels.
Desired Qualifications:
- 5+ years of Canadian/Quebec payroll experience.
- Payroll implementation experience.
- Experience with SAP Employee Central Payroll (ECP) and/or SAP S/4HANA Payroll.
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification preferred.
Physical Requirements (Standard Office Environment):
- Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer workstation.
- Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
- Ability to view and read information on a computer screen for prolonged periods.
- Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching within the office environment.
- Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through electronic communications.