Payroll Manager

Rivian and VW Group Technology

About The Position

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive’s next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to cloud and connectivity solutions, we’re addressing the challenges of electric vehicles through technology that will set the standards for software-defined vehicles around the world. The road to the future is uncharted. By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we’ll map a new way forward. Working together, we’ll create a future that’s more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone. As the Payroll Manager, you will lead and develop a high-performing payroll team while overseeing all US payroll operations. Reporting to the Director, HRBP & People Operations, you will serve as the subject matter expert for Workday Payroll, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, driving process improvements, and delivering a seamless payroll experience across a multi-state, multi-entity environment.

Requirements

5-10 years of recent, hands-on payroll processing experience with multi-state and multi-company payroll, including absence and time and attendance management
Minimum 3 years of people management experience leading payroll teams
Experience with Workday Payroll, Time Tracking, and HCM is required
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel including pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and complex formulas
Knowledge of state and local tax regulations, wage tax laws, and reciprocity rules
Outcome-driven mindset with strong collaboration skills and ability to develop cross-functional business relationships

Nice To Haves

Experience with PA, NJ, OH, and CA preferred
Experience with system upgrades or implementations (HCM, Payroll, Workday, ADP) a plus
Processing and configuration of international assignee payroll is a plus
Experience with equity tax withholding upon vest a plus

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of Payroll Specialists, overseeing all aspects of US payroll operations including bi-weekly and monthly payroll runs for a multi-state, multi-entity organization.
Design, configure, and optimize US Payroll solutions using Workday HCM and Payroll, including system configuration, reconciliation and verification of on-cycle, off-cycle, and retro payroll data, and managing integration touchpoints.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations including SOX, DOL, FLSA, and wage tax laws. Adhere to control objectives established with internal audit and maintain segregation of duties.
Resolve escalated payroll issues including special/unique payrolls, 401(k) administration, benefits, international assignees, and state/local tax reciprocity rules. Oversee annual W-2 processing, taxable fringe benefit input, and ACA reporting.
Streamline and revise payroll procedures; recommend and implement changes leading to best practices. Identify gaps in payroll processing and controls based on current Workday features, and deliver recommendations for new functionality.
Manage Time Tracking process for hourly employees to ensure time clock data is accurately captured and processed for payroll.
Partner with HR, Finance, and Legal teams to support workforce changes, system upgrades, and year-end tax reporting activities. Serve as backup for Payroll Specialists covering US and International payrolls.