Payroll Manager

Pape-Dawson•San Antonio, TX

About The Position

The Payroll Manager leads and scales a complex, multi-state payroll function supporting a workforce of 2,000+ employees. This role is responsible for end-to-end payroll operations across multiple legal entities and jurisdictions, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and operational excellence. Pape-Dawson is a leading civil engineering and professional services firm, with a history of delivering award-winning infrastructure and development projects with national impact. Our diverse team of experts is passionate about solving complex problems and making a difference in our communities. We offer career opportunities in a company culture that values personal growth and professional excellence. With world-class benefits and a commitment to your overall wellbeing, Pape-Dawson is a place where you can thrive both personally and professionally.

Requirements

10 years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership responsibility.
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation.
Proven experience managing payroll operations for 2,000+ employees in organizations with multi-state registrations and complex entity structures.
Hands-on experience implementing and project managing third-party payroll providers (e.g., ADP or similar platforms).
Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll tax regulations and wage & hour compliance.
Experience with payroll accounting and general ledger integration.
Demonstrated ability to lead teams and operate effectively in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Deep expertise in multi-state payroll operations, including complex tax jurisdictions and compliance requirements.
Strong project management capability with demonstrated success leading payroll system implementations and vendor transitions.
Advanced knowledge of third-party payroll platforms (e.g., ADP) and HRIS/payroll integrations.
High level of accuracy and attention to detail in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.
Analytical mindset with ability to identify process inefficiencies and implement scalable solutions.
Strong leadership and team development skills, with experience building and managing high-performing teams.
Effective cross-functional collaboration with Finance, HR, IT, and operational stakeholders.
Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to resolve complex payroll discrepancies.
Clear and professional communication skills, including the ability to translate technical payroll concepts for non-technical audiences.
High degree of integrity and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.

Responsibilities

Lead the execution of bi-weekly payroll cycles across multiple entities and states.
Ensure accurate and timely processing of wages, salaries, bonuses, and off-cycle payrolls.
Oversee payroll inputs including timekeeping, paid leave, accruals, benefit deductions, garnishments, and tax withholdings.
Ensure proper payroll accounting, including reconciliation and alignment with the general ledger.
Establish and maintain scalable payroll processes to support organizational growth.
Lead, develop, and mentor payroll staff, fostering a culture aligned with Pape-Dawson’s core values: Respect, Integrity, Excellence, Responsiveness, Hard Work, and Family.
Drive accountability, performance management, and continuous improvement within the payroll function.
Partner cross-functionally with Finance, HR, and IT to ensure seamless payroll operations.
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations across multiple jurisdictions.
Oversee payroll tax filings, W-2 processing, and year-end reporting.
Maintain and enhance payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll audits and regulatory inquiries.
Lead the selection, implementation, and ongoing optimization of third-party payroll providers.
Serve as project manager for payroll system implementations, upgrades, and integrations.
Drive automation and process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
Ensure data integrity and integration between payroll, HRIS, and financial systems.
Support payroll due diligence for acquisitions, including risk assessment and cost analysis.
Lead payroll integration activities, including system mapping, data conversion, and process standardization.