Payroll Manager

RUPRECHT CO•Mundelein, IL

just now

About The Position

The Payroll Manager is responsible for the accurate, compliant, and timely execution of weekly payroll for Kilcoy Global Foods NA, supporting a diverse employee population that includes hourly and exempt employees across union and non-union environments. This role serves as the subject matter expert for payroll compliance, union contract interpretation related to pay, wage and hour regulations, and payroll-related systems and controls. The Payroll Manager partners closely with HR, Finance, Operations, and external vendors to ensure payroll accuracy, audit readiness, and continuous process improvement.

Requirements

Minimum 3 years’ experience in payroll processing software (including: ADP, Workday, Paycor, Paycom or Paylocity) including managing weekly payroll in a manufacturing or labor-intensive environment.
Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) to include a strong understanding and experience with spreadsheet tools including VLOOKUPs and pivot tables.
Payroll compliance and risk management
Union contract interpretation
Process improvement and continuous improvement mindset
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
High level of discretion and confidentiality

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
Demonstrated experience supporting union and non-union employee populations is preferred.

Responsibilities

Independently manage the end-to-end weekly payroll processing for hourly and exempt employees in accordance with federal, state, and local legislation, corporate policies, and industry best practices, adhering to the payroll schedule to ensure paychecks are issued accurately and on time.
Manage and maintain HRIS and employee data relating to payroll including earnings codes, tax locations, wage attachments, garnishments, deductions, and time and attendance system to ensure accuracy of all payroll related records.
Ensure accurate calculation of wages, overtime, shift differentials, premiums, bonuses, retro pay, and deductions.
Administer payroll in accordance with union collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and company policies.
Oversee payroll changes related to hires, terminations, promotions, transfers, leaves of absence, and pay adjustments.
Review and approve payroll registers and exception reports prior to final submission.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and union agreements.
Oversee all necessary payroll-related government reports and tax filings are performed in compliance with federal, state and local tax codes.
Partner with HR and Finance on audits, wage claims, and payroll-related investigations.
Maintain payroll documentation and controls to support internal and external audits.
Manage 401(k) contributions funding and reconciliation, support annual audits and compliance reporting, including filing Form 5500.
Interpret and apply union contract language related to pay rates, overtime rules, premiums, holidays, and shift schedules.
Support union payroll inquiries and assist HR and Labor Relations during negotiations and contract renewals.
Ensure consistent and compliant payroll practices across union and non-union populations.
Serve as payroll system owner, partnering with HR and Finance to ensure data integrity between systems (timekeeping, HRIS, payroll).
Generate payroll reports for Finance, HR, Operations, and leadership as needed.
Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, and efficiency in a high-volume weekly payroll environment.
Support payroll system upgrades, testing, and implementations.
Lead and develop payroll staff, if applicable, including training, workload management, and performance feedback.
Serve as the primary payroll contact for employees, managers, HR business partners, and external vendors.
Partner closely with Operations to resolve timekeeping issues and ensure accurate labor reporting.