Manager, Payroll Tax

Carvana • Tempe, AZ

1d

About The Position

The Payroll Tax Manager will serve as a strategic leader responsible for overseeing payroll tax compliance, regulatory reporting, tax operations, and process governance across multi-state payroll environments. This role will leverage deep payroll tax expertise to drive compliance, strengthen internal controls, enhance operational processes, and support team development. The ideal candidate will partner cross-functionally with Payroll, People Operations, HRIS, Finance, and external agencies to ensure accurate and compliant payroll tax practices while continuously improving the employee payroll experience.

Requirements

• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience with significant focus in payroll tax compliance and multi-state payroll operations.
• Strong expertise in federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, filings, reconciliations, and agency requirements.
• Experience managing payroll tax operations within complex multi-state environments.
• Experience with HRIS and payroll systems, specifically Workday.
• Experience with ADP SmartCompliance and payroll tax vendor management.
• Knowledge of payroll tax treatment for equity transactions, fringe benefits, supplemental wages, and year-end reporting requirements.
• Experience supporting payroll system implementations, integrations, and testing initiatives.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and process improvement skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical compliance deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including intermediate to advanced Excel skills.
• Ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with mentoring, coaching, and developing team members.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to partner effectively across departments and external agencies.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all payroll tax operations and compliance activities, including federal, state, and local tax filings, tax reconciliations, year-end reporting, and agency compliance requirements.
• Manage payroll tax calendar deadlines and ensure all tax filings, deposits, amendments, and reporting obligations are completed accurately and timely.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll tax agencies and third-party vendors, including management of notices, audits, account registrations, and issue resolution.
• Partner with Payroll Operations, HRIS, Finance, and People Operations to ensure payroll tax impacts are properly assessed for new earnings, deductions, equity transactions, fringe benefits, and organizational changes.
• Review and enhance payroll tax policies, procedures, controls, and standard operating procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and SOX requirements.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and operational efficiencies within payroll tax and compliance functions.
• Support payroll system implementations, tax configuration updates, integrations, testing, and ongoing optimization efforts.
• Monitor changes in payroll tax legislation and regulatory requirements, proactively assessing organizational impact and implementing necessary changes.
• Act as the escalation point for complex payroll tax matters, compliance concerns, and cross-functional issue resolution.
• Prepare, analyze, and present payroll tax reconciliations, audit documentation, reporting, and compliance metrics.
• Lead, coach, and mentor payroll team members, supporting professional development and strengthening subject matter expertise across the team.
• Assist with special projects, audits, acquisitions, and compliance initiatives as needed.

Benefits

• Full-Time Salary Position with a competitive salary.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits.
• 401K with company match.
• A multitude of perks including student loan payments, discounts on vehicles, benefits for your pets, and much more.
• A great wellness program to keep you healthy and happy both physically and mentally.
• Access to opportunities to expand your skill set and share your knowledge with others across the organization.
• A company culture of promotions from within, with a start-up atmosphere allowing for varied and rapid career development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager