IFG US’s client, a global manufacturing company, is looking for a Senior Payroll Manager.
Position Summary
The Senior Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing the full spectrum of payroll operations for the U.S. and global workforce. As a strategic leader, you will ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, compliance with federal/state/local laws, process improvements, and integration with HR systems. This role will lead a small team and collaborate cross-functionally with HR, Finance, Tax, and Legal teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee and manage end-to-end payroll operations (biweekly, semi-monthly, etc.) for all U.S. employees (and international if applicable).
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws, regulations, and reporting.
- Lead payroll tax filings, reconciliations, audits, and year-end reporting (W-2s, 1099s, state returns, etc.).
- Develop, implement, and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard accuracy and consistency.
- Manage payroll-related audits (internal, external) and respond to inquiries / exceptions.
- Partner with HR, Benefits, and Time & Attendance teams to integrate systems (HRIS, time clocks, etc.).
- Drive continuous improvement and automation initiatives (e.g. expand system capabilities, streamline manual processes, reduce errors).
- Supervise, mentor, and develop payroll staff; ensure training, performance reviews, and succession planning.
- Monitor and analyze payroll metrics (e.g. error rates, processing times, cost) and present to senior management.
- Serve as subject-matter expert for payroll matters, advising Finance, HR, and leadership on compensation, deductions, garnishments, wage & hour, leave management.
- Ensure security and confidentiality of payroll data, maintain appropriate segregation of duties.
- Stay current on changing payroll regulations, tax law updates, and best practices in payroll technology.
Qualifications & Experience
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
- 8+ years of progressive payroll experience, including managing payroll for a large organization.
- Prior leadership or supervisory experience in payroll operations.
- Deep knowledge of U.S. payroll laws, tax regulations, wage and hour, deductions, and garnishments.
- Hands-on experience with ADP payroll system.
- Strong analytical, process-improvement, and project-management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to interact with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
- High integrity, attention to detail, and confidentiality.
- Proficiency in Excel and data analytics tools.
Preferred / Nice-to-have:
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or similar credential.
- Experience with global or multi-country payroll.
- Experience leading payroll technology implementations or migrations.
- Experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
- Familiarity with HRIS and ERP systems integration (e.g. Workday, SAP, Oracle).