Job description

The Senior Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing end-to-end payroll operations for a multi-state, multi-entity organization, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness of payroll processing. This role serves as the subject-matter expert for the Payroll system, leading payroll implementations, system configurations, integrations, and ongoing enhancements. The position also carries project management responsibility for payroll-related initiatives, including acquisitions, system upgrades, and process improvements. Payroll Operations & Compliance • Oversee and manage full-cycle payroll processing for salaried, hourly, exempt, and non-exempt employees across multiple states and payroll schedules. • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage-and-hour laws, tax regulations, garnishments, and reporting requirements. • Review and approve payroll audits, variance analyses, off-cycle payrolls, and year-end activities (W-2s, corrections, amendments). • Establish, document, and enforce payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls. • Serve as the escalation point for complex payroll issues, including retroactive pay, corrections, tax discrepancies, and regulatory inquiries. Payroll System Ownership • Act as the functional owner of the Payroll system, including payroll, tax, time & attendance, and integrations. • Lead system configuration and maintenance, including pay codes, earnings and deductions, tax setup, workflows, approvals, and security roles. • Partner with the Payroll system vendor and internal stakeholders to troubleshoot issues, implement enhancements, and resolve service challenges. • Conduct regular system audits to ensure configuration aligns with payroll policies and compliance requirements. Implementations & Configuration Changes • Lead or support payroll implementations, including acquisitions, new company setups, system conversions, and parallel payroll testing. • Manage payroll configuration changes driven by regulatory updates, benefits changes, and organizational restructuring. • Develop testing plans, validate results, and coordinate go-live activities. • Ensure proper documentation and post-implementation stabilization. Project Management & Process Improvement • Manage payroll-related projects from initiation through completion, including scope, timelines, risks, and deliverables. • Collaborate cross-functionally with HR, Finance, Benefits, IT, and external vendors. • Identify and implement payroll process improvements through automation and system optimization. • Maintain project documentation and status reporting for leadership. Team Leadership & Collaboration • Manage, coach, and develop payroll staff to ensure accuracy, coverage, and performance accountability. • Provide mentoring on advanced payroll topics, compliance matters, and system functionality. • Act as a strategic payroll partner to HR and Finance leadership. Required • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, HR, or related field (or equivalent experience). • 7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including multi-state payrolls. • Hands-on expertise with Payroll Systems such as ADP, Ceridian, UKG, etc. • Experience with payroll implementations and system configuration. • Strong payroll compliance knowledge and project management experience. • Advanced Excel and analytical skills. Preferred • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP). • Experience supporting payroll for large or complex organizations. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Equus Workforce Solutions is a leading provider of workforce development services in North America. With a dedicated and passionate team, Equus puts the industry’s best practices to work by focusing on the development, design, and delivery of demand-driven workforce solutions. When you join Equus, you can expect extensive learning opportunities and networking programs. But most of all you can expect to make a lasting impact on the lives of others. APM, including Equus Workforce Solutions, Ross Innovative Employment Solutions, Dynamic Workforce Solutions, DESI, AGELIC, and Grant Associates, is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. APM is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application, interview, or selection process, please contact recruitassist@apmnet.us.

Requirements

Must-haves

Payroll Operations & Compliance
Oversee and manage full-cycle payroll processing for salaried, hourly, exempt, and non-exempt employees across multiple states and payroll schedules.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage-and-hour laws, tax regulations, garnishments, and reporting requirements.
Review and approve payroll audits, variance analyses, off-cycle payrolls, and year-end activities (W-2s, corrections, amendments).
Establish, document, and enforce payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Serve as the escalation point for complex payroll issues, including retroactive pay, corrections, tax discrepancies, and regulatory inquiries.
Payroll System Ownership
Act as the functional owner of the Payroll system, including payroll, tax, time & attendance, and integrations.
Lead system configuration and maintenance, including pay codes, earnings and deductions, tax setup, workflows, approvals, and security roles.
Partner with the Payroll system vendor and internal stakeholders to troubleshoot issues, implement enhancements, and resolve service challenges.
Conduct regular system audits to ensure configuration aligns with payroll policies and compliance requirements.
Implementations & Configuration Changes
Lead or support payroll implementations, including acquisitions, new company setups, system conversions, and parallel payroll testing.
Manage payroll configuration changes driven by regulatory updates, benefits changes, and organizational restructuring.
Develop testing plans, validate results, and coordinate go-live activities.
Ensure proper documentation and post-implementation stabilization.
Project Management & Process Improvement
Manage payroll-related projects from initiation through completion, including scope, timelines, risks, and deliverables.
Collaborate cross-functionally with HR, Finance, Benefits, IT, and external vendors.
Identify and implement payroll process improvements through automation and system optimization.

Nice-to-haves

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP).
Experience supporting payroll for large or complex organizations.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
When you join Equus, you can expect extensive learning opportunities and networking programs. But most of all you can expect to make a lasting impact on the lives of others.

Application prep

Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.

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