Manager Payroll Services - Accounting

Sunrise Senior Living•Mclean, VA

20h

About The Position

The Manager Payroll Services oversees the Payroll Accounting department as well as ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing for both U.S. and Canadian team members. This role is responsible for maintaining compliance with federal, state/provincial, and local payroll regulations, tax laws and company policies. The Manager Payroll Services also partners closely with payroll vendors, finance and HR teams to streamline payroll accounting processes, improve efficiency and implement best practices. Lastly, the Manager Payroll Services will lead payroll audits, reporting and reconciliation efforts, driving continuous process improvements and ensuring data integrity across payroll systems.

Requirements

Proven Workday hands-on expertise that includes implementing initiatives to optimize Workday functionality and processes
Payroll accounting experience that includes reviewing & approving journal entries, reconciliations, and variance analysis
Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of payroll systems, processes, tax regulations and best practices for ensuring accurate and compliant payroll execution across multiple jurisdictions (U.S. and Canada)
Proven ability to lead, mentor and develop a high-performing payroll team while managing workflow, performance evaluations and fostering professional growth
Strong analytical skills with the ability to resolve complex payroll issues quickly and accurately
Demonstrated deep understanding of federal, state, provincial and local tax laws, wage regulations and reporting requirements
Proven ability to identify opportunities for process optimization and automation within the payroll department to improve operational efficiency, reduce errors and enhance service delivery
Strong interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments (e.g., HR, Finance, etc.) and interact professionally with both external vendors and internal stakeholders
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related field
At least 3 - 5 years of experience in payroll management, ideally in a managerial role
At least 2 years of experience with Workday Payroll as part of the overall Workday Human Capital Management suite
In-depth knowledge of federal, state, provincial and local payroll regulations, tax laws and compliance requirements in both the United States and Canada
Demonstrated experience managing payroll across different states, provinces and countries with the ability to ensure compliance with diverse tax and labor laws
Demonstrated expert level proficiency in Excel combined with at least intermediate level of proficiency in the other parts of the Microsoft Office suite
Proven ability to identify, troubleshoot and resolve complex payroll issues with attention to detail and minimal disruption
Demonstrated ability to multitask and deliver with the highest level of performance under tight deadlines
Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate payroll policies and procedures to immediate team members, other employees across the organization and third-party vendors as needed

Nice To Haves

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) is a plus

Responsibilities

Ensure all Payroll accounting activities are completed timely and correctly and in compliance with accounting standards and internal controls framework
Lead, mentor and develop a team of payroll professionals, overseeing workload distribution, performance management and continuous process improvements
Responsible for ensuring all payrolls are funded and settled with third party provider
Work with third party provider to manage garnishments and payroll tax compliance
Utilize Workday expertise to partner with Payroll team to ensure end-to-end payroll process for U.S. and Canadian team members, ensuring accurate and timely payroll execution in compliance with federal, state, provincial and local regulations
Maintain compliance with all payroll-related laws, tax regulations, wage & hour laws and company policies, proactively identifying and addressing discrepancies or risks
Partner with Human Resources (HR), Finance, Accounting and third-party payroll providers as needed to streamline processes, address issues and enhance payroll efficiency
Ensure payroll systems are optimized, maintained and integrated with HRIS and time-tracking systems, support system updates and improvements as needed
Conduct regular audits to validate payroll accuracy, compliance and data integrity
Oversee payroll tax calculations, deductions and filings, ensuring compliance with U.S. and Canadian tax laws and coordinating with external tax authorities when necessary
Identify opportunities to enhance payroll efficiency, automation and accuracy by leveraging technology, standardizing procedures and implementing best practices
Lead or contribute to special projects such as system implementations, policy updates, acquisitions or payroll process transitions to improve organizational effectiveness
Maintain compliance in assigned required training and all training required by state/province or other regulating authorities as applicable to this role to ensure that Sunrise standards are always met
Perform other duties as assigned