COMMUNITY NAMECommunity Support Office
Job IDJOB OVERVIEWThe Senior Manager Payroll oversees payroll processing function, ensuring accurate, timely and compliant payroll processing for U.S. and Canadian team members. The Senior Manager Payroll also partners closely with Human Resources (HR), Finance, third-party payroll vendors and executive leadership to align payroll operations with business objectives. Lastly, this role serves as the escalation point for complex payroll matters, ensuring effective risk management, strong internal controls and seamless team member experience.
RESPONSIBILITIES & QUALIFICATIONSEssential DutiesAs a part of the Sunrise team, supporting our Mission, Principles of Service and Core Values is a fundamental part of this job. Our foundational belief is the sacred value of human life. The unique responsibilities for this role include but are not limited to the essential functions listed as follows:
- Utilize Workday expertise to oversee the payroll processing function, ensuring a proactive approach to payroll management across the U.S. and Canada
- Collaborate to develop and execute payroll strategies and initiatives to enhance efficiency and drive continuous improvement while also ensuring enterprise-wide compliance with all payroll-related laws, tax regulations, wage & hour laws and company policies
- Identify opportunities to enhance payroll efficiency, automation and accuracy by leveraging technology, standardizing procedures and implementing best practices
- Partner with Payroll leadership team and third party provider on payroll tax compliance efforts, ensuring accurate tax filings, deductions and reconciliations across multiple jurisdictions
- Oversee payroll audits, reconciliations and reporting to ensure data integrity and accuracy
- Conduct risk assessments and ensure strong internal controls, identifying areas for improvement in payroll processes, compliance and financial reporting
- Ensure payroll systems are optimized, maintained and integrated with HRIS and time-tracking systems, support system updates and improvements as needed
- Develop and manage relationships with payroll vendors and service providers, ensuring high-quality service delivery, adherence to SLAs and timely issue resolution
- Provide leadership with timely updates concerning new payroll policies, industry trends and regulatory changes to ensure Sunrise consistently follows industry best practices
- Partner with HR, Finance and Legal leadership teams to support cross-functional initiatives, mergers/acquisitions and policy implementations impacting payroll
- Maintain compliance in assigned required training and all training required by state/province or other regulating authorities as applicable to this role to ensure that Sunrise standards are always met
- Perform other duties as assigned
Core Competencies- Proven Workday hands-on expertise that includes implementing initiatives to optimize Workday functionality and processes
- Demonstrated leadership in payroll operations, with the ability to develop and implement payroll optimization that aligns with business objectives
- Advanced knowledge of payroll systems, tax regulations, and compliance requirements for U.S. and Canadian payrolls, including multi-state/provincial complexities
- Proven ability to lead, mentor and develop a high-performing payroll team, fostering continuous learning and professional growth
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills to resolve complex payroll and compliance issues efficiently
- Strong interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments (e.g., HR, Finance, etc.) and interact professionally with both external vendors and internal stakeholders
- Proven ability to identify opportunities for process optimization and automation within the payroll department to improve operational efficiency, reduce errors and enhance service delivery
Experience and QualificationsTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed throughout this job description are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related field; Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred
- Minimum of 7-10 years' experience managing multi-state/provincial payroll operations across the U.S. and Canada, with at least 3 years in a leadership role
- At least 3 years of experience with Workday Payroll as part of the overall Workday Human Capital Management suite that includes in-house Payroll processing and optimization
- Strong understanding of tax laws, compliance requirements, and payroll best practices in a highly regulated environment
- Demonstrated advanced proficiency in Excel (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, macros, etc.) with at least intermediate level proficiency in other Microsoft Office suite applications
- Process improvement mindset, with experience leading payroll transformation initiatives, system implementations, and/or automation projects
- Proven ability to communicate complex payroll policies and procedures effectively across all levels of the organization
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, meeting strict deadlines while maintaining the highest levels of accuracy
We also offer benefits and other compensation that include:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability Plans
- Retirement Savings Plans
- Employee Assistant Program / Discount Program
- Paid time off (PTO), sick time, and holiday pay
- myFlexPay offered to get paid within hours of a shift
- Tuition Reimbursement
- In addition to base compensation, Sunrise may offer discretionary and/or non-discretionary bonuses. The eligibility to receive such a bonus will depend on the employee's position, plan/program offered by Sunrise at the time, and required performance pursuant to the plan/program.
- Some benefits have eligibility requirements
Apply today to learn why Sunrise Senior Living is a certified Great Place to Work®COMPENSATION DISCLAIMERSelected candidates will be offered competitive compensation based on geographic location of community/office, skills, experience, qualifications, and certifications/licenses (where applicable).
