The Payroll Manager oversees all payroll operations for the organization, including NBA players (and future WNBA personnel), coaches, basketball operations staff, business operations staff, and part-time/event staff. This role requires deep knowledge of payroll regulations, league and tax compliance requirements, and the ability to manage highly confidential information with professionalism and discretion. The ideal candidate will also bring an innovative approach to improving and streamlining existing payroll processes and systems.
Key Responsibilities- Complete end-to-end payroll processing for all employees, including full-time and part-time staff, athletes, coaches, and game-day personnel
- Coordinate multi-state/provincial and international payroll requirements for players and traveling staff, and communicate with Players and representatives
- Coordinate with league representatives to ensure compliance with league rules, collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), and tax regulations
- Interpret and administer compensation payments and ensure proper payroll categorization
- Oversee, review and coordinate all employee deduction activities including 401K and garnishments
- Manage payroll-related audits and/or audit requests, including 401K, workers compensation, financial and league or regulatory reviews
- Review and approve payroll tax reports and ensure timely remittance of taxes and statutory deductions
- Provide cash management reporting for all processed and projected payrolls
- Handle year-end tax reporting and reconciliation
- Partner with HR for oversight of HRIS/payroll systems, ensuring data accuracy, security, and proper integration
- Respond to manager, employee and designated representative payroll inquiries and resolve discrepancies
- Assist with preparation of payroll journal entries, and month end payroll account reconciliations
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or equivalent work experience in payroll field
- 5-8+ years of payroll experience, with at least 2-3 years in a manager environment
- Experience in sports, entertainment, or organizations with complex compensation and taxation structures strongly preferred
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or equivalent designation is an asset
- Strong knowledge of 401(k) plans including management, oversight and compliance
- Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements (multi-jurisdictional experience preferred)
- Familiarity with CBAs and athlete compensation structures is a plus
Skills & Competencies - Deep attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information
- Proficiency in Paylocity payroll system a plus and advanced Excel skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to operate in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment tied to the NBA and future WNBA calendar
Working Conditions - Position requires flexible work during certain times including bi-weekly and semi-monthly payroll processing, basketball season, and year-end processing
- Coordination with basketball and accounting staff
Preferred (NBA-Specific Experience) - Experience working with player contracts, bonuses, and endorsement-related payments
- Knowledge of salary cap mechanics, escrow, and benefit programs under the NBA CBA
- Experience handling payroll for unionized environments and high-profile employees
- Experience with the duty day method of allocating professional athlete compensation to various states
