Manager, Payroll

The Washington Post•Washington, DC

54d•Onsite

About The Position

The Washington Post is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Payroll Manager to lead and modernize U.S. payroll operations. This is not a "business as usual" payroll role - it's an opportunity to reimagine how payroll functions within Workday by amplifying automation, redesigning processes, and leveraging AI-driven insights to make payroll faster, cleaner, and more strategic. You will partner closely with HRIS, Finance, and Benefits to simplify integrations, streamline handoffs, and reduce manual corrections. Your focus will be on continuous improvement - fully utilizing Workday's capabilities and embedding data-driven decision-making across payroll operations. This position reports to the Director of Payroll.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive payroll experience, including 5+ years leading payroll operations.
5+ years of Workday Payroll experience, including configuration, reporting, integrations, and timekeeping.
Demonstrated success modernizing payroll through automation, AI tools, and process redesign.
Strong understanding of payroll compliance across federal, state, and local regulations.
Proven ability to analyze complex data and translate insights into process improvements.
Excellent communication and customer service skills; trusted collaborator across HR, Benefits, and Finance.
Advanced proficiency with reporting and spreadsheet software.
Ability to balance multiple priorities, manage deadlines, and maintain accuracy under pressure.
Experience conducting performance reviews and setting team goals.
Flexibility to support occasional holiday or weekend work as needed for payroll deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) and/or Workday Payroll Certification.

Responsibilities

Oversee all payroll processes to ensure timely and accurate payments for all U.S. employees within Workday.
Lead quarterly and annual payroll tax activities, including reconciliation, amendments, and W-2 processing, using Workday and ADP.
Manage garnishment processing, union and pension payments, and ensure compliance with all associated requirements.
Administer Workday Timekeeping transactions and updates, ensuring accuracy and seamless integration with payroll.
Own Workday Payroll configurations, integrations, and testing; continuously identify automation opportunities that reduce manual work.
Implement process improvements that shorten payroll cycles, improve audit readiness, and minimize reconciliation effort.
Utilize Workday's AI and machine learning tools (such as anomaly detection and smart audits) to proactively prevent errors and increase accuracy.
Collaborate with HRIS, Benefits, and Finance to create standardized, scalable processes that ensure accuracy and compliance.
Develop reports and dashboards that provide insight into payroll metrics, trends, and compliance status.
Partner with Finance to ensure accurate journal entries, general ledger postings, and reconciliations.
Support year-end processing, including W-2 reconciliation, audits, and reporting.
Serve as the Workday Payroll subject matter expert for system releases, internal audits, and stakeholder inquiries.
Mentor and guide payroll team members to foster professional growth and operational excellence.
Contribute to a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement across the payroll function.