Payroll Manager - Valley Metro

Keolis America • Tempe, AZ

12d

About The Position

The Payroll Manager oversees payroll operations for the Valley Metro business, ensuring accurate processing and compliance with applicable laws, taxes, union agreements, internal controls, and company policies. The role manages payroll procedures, reporting, systems maintenance, and process improvements while coordinating with HR, Finance, and other departments. It also supports payroll staff and employees through training, guidance, and timely responses to payroll questions. Travel to company locations, including new business sites, may be required to support payroll operations and training.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of payroll experience, with a strong focus on compliance and process improvement.
• Proven experience managing payroll operations across multiple states.
• Recent experience processing payroll in Arizona.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel to all company locations as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with union payrolls is highly preferred.
• Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation is preferred.
• Familiarity with payroll systems and reporting tools, especially UKG and Work Force Management (WFM), is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct payroll processing, related transactions, and procedures for the Valley Metro business.
• Ensure adherence to local, state, and federal laws and taxes, as well as union agreements.
• Develop project management plans and delivery timelines; coordinate with cross-functional working groups, including HR and Finance.
• Monitor performance and delivery timelines of key processes.
• Educate, mentor, and train employees on payroll processes and compliance expectations.
• Analyze trends and systemic issues, and recommend action plans.
• Respond to day-to-day procedural questions, prioritize work, and ensure timely and accurate responses to the business.
• Provide internal and external reporting to stakeholders while accounting for business priorities.
• Identify opportunities to reduce risk and improve business performance through standardization and continuous monitoring.
• Maintain payroll systems and processes, ensuring timecard and UKG configurations follow internal controls, company policies, and current CBA changes.
• Travel to new business sites to conduct payroll training and to company locations as needed to support payroll operations and compliance.
• Lead initiatives and projects to streamline and enhance payroll processes and systems.
• Provide training and guidance to payroll staff on compliance and process improvements.
• Prepare frequent reports through UKG Business Intelligence; maintain accurate payroll records and reports.
• Perform data entry and data cleanup, support corporate staff with routine payroll needs, and perform other assigned administrative duties.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Opportunities for development and growth throughout an exciting and rewarding career
• The safest work environment possible

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed