Payroll Manager

Payroll Manager

The Payroll Manager leads and scales a complex, multi-state payroll function supporting a workforce of 2,000+ employees. This role is responsible for end-to-end payroll operations across multiple legal entities and jurisdictions, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and operational excellence.

Payroll Operations & Processing

• Lead the execution of bi-weekly payroll cycles across multiple entities and states.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of wages, salaries, bonuses, and off-cycle payrolls.
• Oversee payroll inputs including timekeeping, paid leave, accruals, benefit deductions, garnishments, and tax withholdings.
• Ensure proper payroll accounting, including reconciliation and alignment with the general ledger.
• Establish and maintain scalable payroll processes to support organizational growth.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, develop, and mentor payroll staff, fostering a culture aligned with Pape-Dawson's core values: Respect, Integrity, Excellence, Responsiveness, Hard Work, and Family.
• Drive accountability, performance management, and continuous improvement within the payroll function.
• Partner cross-functionally with Finance, HR, and IT to ensure seamless payroll operations.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations across multiple jurisdictions.
• Oversee payroll tax filings, W-2 processing, and year-end reporting.
• Maintain and enhance payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll audits and regulatory inquiries.

Systems, Implementation & Process Improvement

• Lead the selection, implementation, and ongoing optimization of third-party payroll providers.
• Serve as project manager for payroll system implementations, upgrades, and integrations.
• Drive automation and process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
• Ensure data integrity and integration between payroll, HRIS, and financial systems.

Mergers & Acquisitions Support

• Support payroll due diligence for acquisitions, including risk assessment and cost analysis.
• Lead payroll integration activities, including system mapping, data conversion, and process standardization.

Qualifications

• 10 years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership responsibility.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation.
• Proven experience managing payroll operations for 2,000+ employees in organizations with multi-state registrations and complex entity structures.
• Hands-on experience implementing and project managing third-party payroll providers (e.g., ADP or similar platforms).
• Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll tax regulations and wage & hour compliance.
• Experience with payroll accounting and general ledger integration.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and operate effectively in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Deep expertise in multi-state payroll operations, including complex tax jurisdictions and compliance requirements.
• Strong project management capability with demonstrated success leading payroll system implementations and vendor transitions.
• Advanced knowledge of third-party payroll platforms (e.g., ADP) and HRIS/payroll integrations.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.
• Analytical mindset with ability to identify process inefficiencies and implement scalable solutions.
• Strong leadership and team development skills, with experience building and managing high-performing teams.
• Effective cross-functional collaboration with Finance, HR, IT, and operational stakeholders.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to resolve complex payroll discrepancies.
• Clear and professional communication skills, including the ability to translate technical payroll concepts for non-technical audiences.
• High degree of integrity and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.

EEO Statement: All qualified applicants for Pape-Dawson Engineers will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.