Payroll Manager

The Payroll Manager leads payroll operations for our fast-paced and rapidly growing company operating in over 40 locations with 1,400+ full-time and part-time employees in multiple states. Responsible for all payroll operations including a bi-weekly processing schedule, tax, compliance, accounting, customer service, garnishments, systems, reporting, and equity. This role serves as the main point of contact, subject matter expert and point of escalation for issues and challenges related to payroll administration, multi-state and local taxes, garnishments and agency requests, and general payroll compliance. This role is perfect for someone who has a passion to ask questions, simplify processes, work with large data, and support change through varied projects with a sense of urgency. 

Working Location & Travel

This position can be located anywhere in the continental US and be fully remote. Those who are local to the Minneapolis area will have flexibility to work onsite or remote as little or as much as desired. Infrequent travel may be requested (less than 10%). 

• Directs the delivery of payroll to all employees including exempt, non-exempt, and special payroll runs. 

• Maintains an ongoing knowledge of company payroll programs to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll reporting and tax authority specifications. 

• Develops practices and procedures within payroll to support regulatory or compliance directives as defined by the DOL, the FLSA, the IRS, any state/local authorities, child support agencies, or Company defined policies. 

• Identifies and manages payroll system needs to align technology and service provider solutions with business initiatives and payroll practices. 

• Work closely with HR Technology team to maintain, configure, and test Workday payroll, time & attendance, and benefit platforms. 

• Manage the preparation of weekly, monthly, quarterly, and year-end management reports (gross payroll, hours worked, PTO accrual, tax deductions, benefit deductions, etc.) 

• Monitor and approve federal and state payroll tax filings, including 940s and W-2s. 

• Review and approve employee tax withholding audits to ensure compliance. 

• Responsible for daily system operations that support the payroll processes.  Responsible for optimizing processes, identifying gaps, and helping with process improvements.  Responsible for maintaining SOX compliant processes and responding to requests for internal and external audits (payroll, Workers Comp, 401k, etc.) 

• Review and approve all employee and payroll processing data audits to ensure accuracy. Assures timely and accurate processing of human resources information including new hires, terminations, demographic changes, and benefit enrollment events & verifications. 

• In collaboration with Total Rewards Manager, evaluate and analyze existing payroll policies, procedures and business process; draft, propose, and implement changes and/or quality control measures leading to best practice operations. 

• Solve payroll related issues, respond to payroll related inquiries (including unemployment claims), and enforce payroll policies. 

• Serve as the primary Human Resource team liaison with the Finance and Accounting Departments. 

• Manage payroll vendor relationships and Total Rewards invoicing process. 

• Project lead for all payroll projects and implementations; also serve as the payroll expert when supporting HR related projects. 

• Keeps supervisor informed of important developments, potential problems, and related information necessary for effective management.  Coordinates and communicates plans and activities with others, as appropriate, to ensure a coordinated work effort and team approach. 

• Performs related work as apparent or assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• 5+ years managing team members 

• At least seven (7) years of payroll administration and accounting related experience  

• 5+ years of experience with cloud based HRIS Payroll system(s) 

• ADP processing experience of 5+ years 

• At least five (5) years of multi-state payroll experience, including California. 

• Strong knowledge of and ability to interpret/apply taxation, withholding, and reporting requirements at all levels (federal, state, and local). 

• Understanding of banking and ACH process. 

• Ability to manage interfaces between electronic data processing and the payroll/accounting functions. 

• Advanced knowledge of HR/Payroll system functions. 

• Ability to courteously and professionally respond to the needs of employees while being flexible and responsive in a fast-paced environment. 

• Strong analytical skills. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills. 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel. 

• Advanced PC skills to include database and spreadsheet tools, including creation and maintenance of queries and reports. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Payroll Certification (CPP)  

• Strong experience with Workday or Oracle in payroll processes