Payroll Manager

An MRA Member is looking for...Payroll ManagerA mid-sized organization who operates in multiple states is looking for a Payroll Manager regarding the following details:Job SummaryThe Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing and executing accurate, compliant, and timely payroll operations for a multi‑state workforce within a mid-sized company. This role serves as the subject matter expert for payroll compliance across federal, state, and local jurisdictions and ensures payroll practices align with applicable wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and reporting requirements.The Payroll Manager collaborates closely with Human Resources, Benefits, Finance, Accounting, IT, and other departments in the organization to ensure seamless payroll processing, accurate benefit deductions, proper taxation, and reliable data integration between systems. This position plays a key role in process improvement, audits, and employee support while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality, accuracy and employee customer service.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Payroll Operations & ComplianceManage end‑to‑end payroll processing for a multi‑state employee population, including exempt, non‑exempt, commissioned, and incentive‑based payEnsure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws, including wage and hour rules, paid leave requirements, garnishments, and state‑specific tax regulationsMaintain accurate payroll tax setup, withholding, filing, and reconciliation across multiple jurisdictionsOversee year‑end payroll activities, including W‑2 issuance, audits, and reconciliationMonitor regulatory changes impacting payroll and proactively implement required updatesCross‑Functional CollaborationPartner closely with Benefits and HR to ensure accurate benefit deductions, retro adjustments, and payroll‑benefits reconciliationCollaborate with Finance and Accounting on payroll funding, general ledger reconciliation, accruals, and financial reportingWork with HR on new hires, terminations, job changes, and leave activity to ensure payroll accuracyCoordinate with IT and vendors on payroll system integrations, upgrades, and issue resolutionProcess Improvement & Vendor ManagementEvaluate and improve payroll processes to increase efficiency, accuracy, and complianceServe as primary contact for Payroll functions in UKG and third‑party tax vendorsSupport payroll audits, internal controls, and documentation requirementsDevelop and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and internal controlsEmployee Support & ReportingAct as escalation point for payroll‑related inquiries, discrepancies, and correctionsProvide guidance to employees and managers regarding payroll practices, pay statements, and deductionsPrepare payroll reports and analytics for leadership and cross‑functional partnersMaintain payroll records in compliance with retention and privacy requirementsLeadership & OversightTrain, Mentor, and support payroll staff or cross-functional partners involved in payroll processesEnsure payroll workflows are well documented and business-continuity plans are in placePromote a collaborative, service-oriented approach across departmentsCompetenciesMulti‑State Payroll Expertise - In‑depth knowledge of payroll processing across multiple states, including taxation, wage laws, and compliance requirementsCompliance & Risk Management - Strong understanding of FLSA, state wage and hour laws, payroll tax regulations, garnishments, and reporting requirementsAttention to Detail - Exceptional accuracy in payroll processing, audits, reconciliations, and reportingCollaboration & Communication Clear communicator who works effectively with HR, Benefits, Finance, Accounting, vendors, and employeesConfidentiality & Integrity - Handles sensitive employee and payroll data with discretion and high ethical standardsProblem Solving - Proactively identifies payroll issues and implements timely, compliant solutionsTechnology Proficiency - Strong user of payroll platforms, HRIS systems, and Excel for reconciliation, audits, and reporting, preferably in UKGTime Management - Effectively manages competing deadlines in a strict payroll calendar environmentLeadership & Accountability - Demonstrates ownership of payroll outcomes while fostering teamwork and cross‑departmental alignmentKnowledge, Skills, And AbilitiesAbility to analyze payroll data, identify discrepancies, assess impact of regulatory changes, and recommend improvementsStrong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax and wage lawsAdvanced Excel skills for reconciliation and reportingUnderstanding of commission, incentive, draw, and bonus structuresFamiliarity with internal and external payroll audits, document retention, and SOX-related payroll controlsWorking knowledge of FMLA, state-specific paid leave programs, disability programs, and their payroll implicationsKnowledge of data protection standards related to payroll data, including privacy laws and internal security protocolsUnderstanding of payroll treatment for onboarding, offboarding, severance, retro pay, and correctionsKnowledge of vendor contracts, SLAs, and escalation paths related to payroll and tax servicesSkilled in building audit-ready reports, dashboards, and ad hoc analyses to support leadership decision-makingStrong ability to identify root causes of payroll discrepancies and implement sustainable corrective actionsAbility to train HR, managers, or payroll staff on payroll practices, system usage, and compliance requirementsSkilled in reconciling payroll registers to funding, tax filings, benefit invoices, and general ledger accountsQualificationsBachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field; or equivalent experience5–7 years of progressive payroll experience, including multi‑state payroll processing for a mid-to-large organization2–3 years in a payroll leadership, supervisory, or lead role preferredExperience with payroll systems such as UKG is preferred. Experience with other systems like ADP, Paycom, Workday, or similar platforms is requiredCertified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) preferredExperience using Microsoft Office products (i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint)This is an onsite role working in an office environment located in the west suburbs of Milwaukee, WI.The pay range for this position is $90,000 - $95,000 annually.We Make it EasyFounded in 1901, MRA is a nonprofit employer association that serves more than 4,000 employers, covering more than one million employees.As one of the largest employer associations in the nation, MRA helps its member organizations thrive by offering the most comprehensive assortment of HR services, information, education, and resources to help build successful workplaces and a powerful workforce.We partner with these companies working directly with their HR department and leadership to hire their talent. We are a direct line to the company, not an agency recruiter.Powered by JazzHRU63i1eN5Oe