Payroll Manager

Skywater•Bloomington, MN

10d

About The Position

The Payroll Manager ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across multiple states and employee types, supporting a federal contractor environment with strict audit and reporting requirements. This role strengthens payroll operations through disciplined validation routines, proactive issue resolution, and high-quality employee support. The Payroll Manager partners closely with Benefits, HR Technology, and site leadership to maintain a seamless employee experience and reduce operational risk. Major Areas of Accountability: Payroll Processing & Accuracy Process biweekly payroll for multi-state hourly and salaried employees, ensuring accuracy in earnings, overtime, shift differentials, holiday pay, and premium calculations Execute a structured pre‑payroll validation process Perform post‑payroll audits to confirm correct taxation, garnishments, benefit deductions, and employer contributions Maintain strict adherence to payroll deadlines Issue Resolution & Troubleshooting Research and resolve payroll discrepancies quickly and professionally, including overpayments, underpayments, tax issues, and timekeeping errors Conduct root‑cause analysis on recurring issues and implement corrective actions to prevent reoccurrence Partner with HR Technology to test system updates, configuration changes, and new workflows Compliance & Controls Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, including MN ESST, MN overtime rules, and FLSA requirements Support federal‑contractor payroll obligations, including accurate tracking of hours, premiums, and wage determinations Maintain audit-ready documentation for payroll cycles, adjustments, and approvals Assist with quarterly and annual tax filings, W‑2 accuracy, and year-end reconciliation Employee & Leader Support Serve as a primary point of contact for payroll questions, providing clear, timely, and empathetic communication Educate employees and leaders on timekeeping expectations, pay policies, and payroll processes Support New Hire Orientation with payroll setup, direct deposit, and tax forms Benefits & HR Operations Support Coordinate with Benefits on deductions, arrears, employer match timing, and eligibility changes Validate 401(k) contributions and employer match accuracy each pay cycle Support open enrollment, life event processing, and benefits audits as needed Maintain accurate employee records in the HRIS and ensure data integrity across systems Continuous Improvement Recommend and implement process improvements to strengthen payroll accuracy, efficiency, and controls Maintain and update payroll SOPs, checklists, and validation tools Participate in cross-functional projects, including M&A integration, system enhancements, and policy updates.

Requirements

Payroll certification or associate’s degree, or relevant years of experience
5+ years of payroll experience in a multi-state environment
Experience with modern HRIS / payroll system (Dayforce preferred)
Experience in a 24x7 or manufacturing environment with hourly workforce environment
Strong Excel skills
US Person required

Responsibilities

Process biweekly payroll for multi-state hourly and salaried employees, ensuring accuracy in earnings, overtime, shift differentials, holiday pay, and premium calculations
Execute a structured pre‑payroll validation process
Perform post‑payroll audits to confirm correct taxation, garnishments, benefit deductions, and employer contributions
Maintain strict adherence to payroll deadlines
Research and resolve payroll discrepancies quickly and professionally, including overpayments, underpayments, tax issues, and timekeeping errors
Conduct root‑cause analysis on recurring issues and implement corrective actions to prevent reoccurrence
Partner with HR Technology to test system updates, configuration changes, and new workflows
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, including MN ESST, MN overtime rules, and FLSA requirements
Support federal‑contractor payroll obligations, including accurate tracking of hours, premiums, and wage determinations
Maintain audit-ready documentation for payroll cycles, adjustments, and approvals
Assist with quarterly and annual tax filings, W‑2 accuracy, and year-end reconciliation
Serve as a primary point of contact for payroll questions, providing clear, timely, and empathetic communication
Educate employees and leaders on timekeeping expectations, pay policies, and payroll processes
Support New Hire Orientation with payroll setup, direct deposit, and tax forms
Coordinate with Benefits on deductions, arrears, employer match timing, and eligibility changes
Validate 401(k) contributions and employer match accuracy each pay cycle
Support open enrollment, life event processing, and benefits audits as needed
Maintain accurate employee records in the HRIS and ensure data integrity across systems
Recommend and implement process improvements to strengthen payroll accuracy, efficiency, and controls
Maintain and update payroll SOPs, checklists, and validation tools
Participate in cross-functional projects, including M&A integration, system enhancements, and policy updates.