ABOUT THE ORCHESTRA FINANCE TEAMThe Orchestra Finance Team oversees financial results and works with our teams on client finance, growth strategies and the overall financial health of the company. We are responsible for the successful integration with our new partner companies as well as any future acquisition activity.
We work with management and other key agency stakeholders to drive profitability and monitor key performance indicators. We are growing a team of experienced finance professionals, change agents, Excel masters and complex problem-solvers to collaborate cross-functionally to assess financial strategies, systems and processes in an effort to drive the full-cycle financial health of all our clients.
ABOUT THIS ROLEOrchestra is seeking a Senior Manager, Payroll to join the Finance team. The Senior Manager, Payroll is responsible for the strategic oversight and hands-on execution of payroll operations for Orchestra's growing, multi-state workforce. This role will lead all payroll activities, including processing, compliance, benefits integration (e.g., 401(k)), and coordination with HR and Legal on employment matters. The ideal candidate is detail-obsessed, system-savvy, a strong communicator and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment.
This role reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer.
Role location: This role is based on a hybrid basis in our New York, N.Y. office. The Finance team is in-office 3 days per week.
ACCOUNTABILITIES AND QUALIFICATIONSAs the Senior Manager, Payroll, you will...
Payroll Execution & Oversight- Oversee end-to-end bi-weekly, semi-monthly and off-cycle payrolls for 750+ employees across multiple states
- Ensure accurate, timely processing of payroll in compliance with federal, state and local regulations
- Maintain and update payroll policies, procedures and controls aligned with best practices and SOX standards
System Management & Optimization- Serve as Payroll system owner and will be responsible for managing upgrades, integrations and data integrity
- Collaborate with HR and Finance teams to ensure seamless payroll-benefit data flow
- Lead the implementation of automation and workflow improvements within the payroll lifecycle
Benefits & 401(k) Integration- Administer and reconcile benefit deductions, including health plans, HSA/FSA and 401(k) (Fidelity)
- Ensure timely 401(k) funding and reporting, including compliance testing, match processing and audit support
Compliance & Audit- Ensure full compliance with all applicable payroll tax laws and regulations (federal, state, and local)
- File and reconcile multi-state payroll tax filings; work closely with external tax advisors as needed
- Support annual audits (financial, 401(k), workers comp) with detailed payroll records and reconciliations
Employee Lifecycle & Legal Interface- Partner with HR and Legal on payroll-related matters including onboarding, terminations, severance agreements, garnishments and leaves
- Support employment-related pay and tax disputes and compliance reviews, coordinating with external payroll vendors and employment attorneys when necessary
Leadership & Communication- Lead, develop, and mentor two direct reports in the payroll team including an HRIS specialist and a Payroll Administrator
- Act as a point of contact for payroll escalations; ensure high service levels to internal stakeholders
- Communicate effectively with Finance, HR, Legal and department heads to ensure alignment and transparency
Proactive Controls & Reporting- Design and implement payroll controls, reporting dashboards and reconciliation processes
- Identify risks, gaps and process inefficiencies-proposing solutions before problems arise
- Generate and present payroll insights to Finance and Leadership.
Essential skills:- 5-7+ years of payroll experience; 2+ years in a leadership role
- Experience managing payroll in a multi-state U.S. environment (including NY, NJ, CA, TX, etc.)
- Deep knowledge of payroll tax compliance, wage and hour laws and benefits administration
- Familiarity with employment lifecycle events (onboarding, offboarding, severance, terminations)
- Hands-on experience with 401(k) administration and compliance (preferably with Fidelity)
- Experience working with employment attorneys or handling sensitive payroll-related legal matters
- Demonstrated ability to set up and maintain strong internal controls and audit processes
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
- Strong interpersonal skills; able to build trust and influence across departments
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred:- Experience with Paylocity, ADP, or similar large payroll/HCM platforms
- CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or other relevant certification
- Experience scaling payroll operations in a high-growth or PE-backed environment
WORKING AT ORCHESTRASalary (commensurate with experience and skills): $135,000-$145,000
This role would be eligible for end of year bonuses based on firm, team and individual performance.
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