Payroll Manager

Payroll Manager

The Payroll Manager plays a key role in overseeing the end-to-end payroll process across North America entities, including manufacturing facilities, R&D, corporate headquarters, and commercial operations. This role ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing and reporting across two countries, multiple pay structures, and complex regulatory environments.

The Payroll Manager is responsible for payroll governance, vendor relationships, process optimization, and cross-functional alignment with HR, Legal, Finance, IT, Operations, and Commercial teams. This position will set priorities and oversee daily payroll functions while providing leadership and direction to payroll team members.

Essential Duties

• Manage full-cycle payroll processing for U.S. and Canada employees, ensuring accurate and timely execution in compliance with federal, state, provincial, and local regulations
• Process complex transactions, including multi-state adjustments, bonus taxation, retroactive pay, and year-end tax reconciliations
• Ensure recurring payroll activities are completed on time while contributing to cross-functional projects
• Validate timekeeping records and resolve discrepancies
• Audit payroll transactions to ensure accuracy and data integrity within HRIS systems
• Analyze and resolve complex payroll issues, providing clear communication to employees and stakeholders
• Manage relationships with payroll vendors and service providers to ensure systems are efficient and well maintained
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance scalability, automation, and efficiency while maintaining strong controls
• Set up new state and provincial jurisdictions and ensure timely tax filings
• Lead quarterly and year-end payroll activities
• Ensure timely filings with government agencies
• Maintain internal controls, documentation, and standard operating procedures to ensure compliance and accuracy
• Support general ledger reconciliation activities related to payroll
• Partner with cross-functional teams (HR, Finance, Tax, People Operations) to ensure alignment on payroll matters
• Maintain audit readiness and support internal and external audits (e.g., DOL, OFCCP)
• Manage payroll-related system implementations, integrations, and projects
• Maintain knowledge of wage and hour laws, including garnishments, benefits, leave of absence, retirement plans, and tax reporting
• Prepare and distribute payroll reports, statements, and summaries
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries professionally and accurately

People Management Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop payroll team members
• Recruit, hire, and onboard new team members
• Oversee daily workflow of the payroll function
• Establish performance metrics and conduct evaluations
• Ensure payroll coverage for daily operations and timely distribution of final paychecks

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive payroll experience
• At least 4 years of experience managing staff in a multi-state and multi-jurisdiction environment; Canadian payroll experience preferred
• Experience supporting both exempt and non-exempt employees and managing timekeeping systems
• Preferred experience in a manufacturing environment with multiple shifts
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now preferred
• Experience with SuccessFactors or similar HRIS preferred
• Experience with timekeeping systems such as Bullhorn or similar platforms preferred
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of U.S. federal and state labor laws required (including Colorado); Canadian regulations preferred
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and handle confidential information with integrity

Skills

• Expertise in payroll regulations including tax withholding, garnishments, FLSA, Social Security, and Medicare
• Strong understanding of payroll accounting and general ledger processes
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving capability
• Ability to manage competing priorities and maintain accuracy under pressure
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to build scalable processes and improve operations
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration skills
• Ability to interpret and enforce payroll policies and procedures

Certifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred

Physical Requirements

Typical office environment requiring reading, speaking, hearing, sitting, and occasional lifting up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to work on-site in Lakewood, CO three days per week

Compensation

• Target Salary Range: $101,500 – $125,000 (based on experience, skills, and market alignment)
• Target Bonus: 10%