Job Description:

Overview:

The Payroll Manager leads and scales a complex, multi-state payroll function supporting a workforce of 2,000+ employees. This role is responsible for end-to-end payroll operations across multiple legal entities and jurisdictions, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities:

• Payroll Operations & Processing

  • Lead the execution of bi-weekly payroll cycles across multiple entities and states.

  • Ensure accurate and timely processing of wages, salaries, bonuses, and off-cycle payrolls.

  • Oversee payroll inputs including timekeeping, paid leave, accruals, benefit deductions, garnishments, and tax withholdings.

  • Ensure proper payroll accounting, including reconciliation and alignment with the general ledger.

  • Establish and maintain scalable payroll processes to support organizational growth.

• Leadership & Team Development

  • Lead, develop, and mentor payroll staff, fostering a culture aligned with Pape-Dawsons core values: Respect, Integrity, Excellence, Responsiveness, Hard Work, and Family.

  • Drive accountability, performance management, and continuous improvement within the payroll function.

  • Partner cross-functionally with Finance, HR, and IT to ensure seamless payroll operations.

• Compliance & Risk Management

  • Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations across multiple jurisdictions.

  • Oversee payroll tax filings, W-2 processing, and year-end reporting.

  • Maintain and enhance payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls.

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll audits and regulatory inquiries.

• Systems, Implementation & Process Improvement

  • Lead the selection, implementation, and ongoing optimization of third-party payroll providers.

  • Serve as project manager for payroll system implementations, upgrades, and integrations.

  • Drive automation and process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.

  • Ensure data integrity and integration between payroll, HRIS, and financial systems.

• Mergers & Acquisitions Support

  • Support payroll due diligence for acquisitions, including risk assessment and cost analysis.

  • Lead payroll integration activities, including system mapping, data conversion, and process standardization.

Qualifications

• 10 years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership responsibility.

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation.

• Proven experience managing payroll operations for 2,000+ employees in organizations with multi-state registrations and complex entity structures.

• Hands-on experience implementing and project managing third-party payroll providers (e.g., ADP or similar platforms).

• Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll tax regulations and wage & hour compliance.

• Experience with payroll accounting and general ledger integration.

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and operate effectively in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

• Bachelors degree in accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field (or equivalent experience).

• Deep expertise in multi-state payroll operations, including complex tax jurisdictions and compliance requirements.

• Strong project management capability with demonstrated success leading payroll system implementations and vendor transitions.

• Advanced knowledge of third-party payroll platforms (e.g., ADP) and HRIS/payroll integrations.

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.

• Analytical mindset with ability to identify process inefficiencies and implement scalable solutions.

• Strong leadership and team development skills, with experience building and managing high-performing teams.

• Effective cross-functional collaboration with Finance, HR, IT, and operational stakeholders.

• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to resolve complex payroll discrepancies.

• Clear and professional communication skills, including the ability to translate technical payroll concepts for non-technical audiences.

• High degree of integrity and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.