THE ROLEThe Manager, Payroll is a hands on, detail driven leader responsible for ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll execution for all U.S. Nandocas. This role oversees end to end payroll operations, multi state compliance, tax processing, and system integrity - while building strong controls, improving processes, and ensuring a seamless experience for employees and managers.
This leader partners closely with People, Finance, Operations, and external vendors to maintain payroll accuracy, resolve issues quickly, and support business needs with data, reporting, and insights. The Manager will own day to day payroll operations, lead continuous improvement efforts, and escalate complex or strategic decisions to People Leadership.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIESPayroll Operations
- Manage end to end bi weekly payroll processing for all U.S. employees across multiple states, ensuring accuracy in wages, overtime, deductions, and compliance.
- Oversee payroll changes including new hires, terminations, promotions, and pay adjustments.
- Maintain strong internal controls, audit trails, reconciliations, and documentation to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Coordinate payroll tax filings, year end processing, and issuance of W 2s/W 2cs in partnership with Finance and external vendors
- Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll inquiries, providing timely, values led support to employees and managers.
- Ensure timekeeping accuracy and partner with Operations to resolve discrepancies.
Compliance & Risk Management
- Maintain expert knowledge of payroll laws, multi state regulations, wage and hour rules, and tax requirements.
- Ensure payroll processes meet internal, external, and regulatory audit standards.
- Partner with Legal, Finance, and People Leadership to address compliance issues and implement corrective actions.
- Support audits (financial, regulatory, internal) by preparing documentation and responding to inquiries.
Reporting & Analytics
- Prepare and maintain regular payroll reporting including bi weekly, monthly, quarterly, and year end reports.
- Provide data and insights to People, Finance, and Operations to support decision making, budgeting, and workforce planning.
- Maintain dashboards and reporting tools that track payroll accuracy, trends, and operational health.
- Respond to ad hoc reporting requests with accuracy and speed.
Systems & Process Improvement
- Serve as a functional expert for ADP Workforce Now, Time & Attendance, and related payroll systems.
- Lead configuration, testing, and deployment of payroll system updates, integrations, and enhancements.
- Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, strengthen controls, and improve the employee experience.
- Support payroll integrations for new restaurants, acquisitions, or system expansions.
Cross Functional Partnership
- Partner with the People Team to ensure alignment across onboarding, job changes, compensation updates, and employee lifecycle processes.
- Collaborate with Operations to support field leaders, resolve timekeeping issues, and maintain strong communication channels.
- Work closely with Finance on payroll funding, reconciliations, variance analysis, and tax matters.
- Support broader People Operations initiatives and contribute to cross functional projects.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS- Bachelor's degree in HR, Finance, Business or related field
- 5-7+ years of experience in payroll management or HR operations; hospitality/restaurant experience preferred
- Hands on experience managing multi state payroll cycles in ADP Workforce Now (Time & Attendance and Data Cloud strongly preferred)
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, modeling)
- Deep knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements
- High attention to detail, accuracy, and confidentiality
- Strong communication skills and ability to partner effectively across teams
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE & ATTRIBUTES- Previous Role in restaurant, hospitality, or retail corporate accounting department
- Experience with HotSchedules, Harri, Micros, or similar systems.
WORK ARRANGEMENTThis role is based in Washington, D.C. and is full-time onsite at our Restaurant Support Office.
PaySalary Range is
$89,000 - $127,000, based on experience.
