Payroll Manager

About the Role:

Our client is seeking -an experienced Payroll Manager to lead end-to-end payroll operations across our domestic and Australia workforce of over 1,500 employees. In this role, you will own the accuracy and compliance of our payroll function — including equity transactions, SOX controls, and multi-state tax obligations — while driving automation initiatives and serving as the company's subject matter expert on payroll accounting, tax, and regulatory requirements. You will work closely with Finance, HR, Legal, and third-party agencies to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant payroll delivery at scale.

Key Responsibilities:

• Payroll Operations & Workday
  • Prepare and process end-to-end multi-state payrolls for 1,500+ employees using Workday Payroll
  • Process and submit employee equity transactions and related tax withholding through Workday Payroll
  • Partner with HRIS and IT teams to manage Workday system updates, testing, and enhancements.
  • Manage day-to-day payroll activities and resolve payroll-related discrepancies in a timely manner.
  • Serve as the primary point of escalation for Workday payroll issues and employee inquiries.
• Payroll Accounting
  • Prepare and review payroll journal entries, reconciliations, and general ledger postings.
  • Collaborate with the Accounting team to ensure accurate recording of payroll expenses, accruals, and liabilities.
  • Support month-end and year-end close activities, including W-2 processing and payroll-related account reconciliations.
• Payroll Tax & Compliance
  • Ensure accurate calculation, withholding, remittance, and reporting of federal, state, and local payroll taxes.
  • Manage W-2, W-2c, and other year-end tax filings and reconciliations.
  • Ensure compliance with payroll SOX controls and maintain current knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations.
  • Responding to inquiries from employees, HR, Accounting, government agencies, and third-party vendors utilizing knowledge of policies, procedures, and legislation
  • Conduct audits of data changes and requests to ensure compliance with company policy and practices.
  • Oversee multi-state payroll tax registrations and respond to tax agency notices and audits.
  • Maintain detailed payroll records and audit-ready documentation.
  • Ensure the integrity and accuracy of all payroll remittances and reporting.
• Time, Attendance & Employee Data
  • Manage time and attendance workflow to ensure all timesheets, time-off requests, and payroll data is received timely and accurate, complete, and compliant with state and federal standards.
  • Partner with Legal and HR to ensure compliance with garnishments, levies, and other mandated deductions.
  • Monitor and implement regulatory changes impacting payroll operations, including FLSA and state-specific wage and hour laws.
• Technology, Automation & AI
  • Identify opportunities to streamline and automate payroll processes, reducing manual effort and error risk.
  • Lead or support payroll technology projects including system integrations, upgrades, and process redesigns.
  • Leverage AI tools (e.g., Claude, Gemini or similar) to enhance payroll reporting, drafting, research, and workflow efficiency
  • Identify opportunities to apply AI-assisted automation to reduce manual effort in data validation, reconciliation, and exception handling

Qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience processing end-to-end payroll and equity transactions
• Hands-on expertise with Workday Payroll.
• Strong knowledge of payroll accounting principles, SOX controls, and general ledger reconciliation.
• In-depth understanding of federal and multi-state payroll tax compliance and wage and hour laws.
• Proven year-end close experience including W-2 and W-2c processing in Workday and ADP Smart Compliance.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and G-Suite (Excel, Google Sheets)
• Ability to work independently with general supervision, prioritize effectively, and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail, self-motivation, and ability to manage confidential material with discretion.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with commitment to customer service and ownership