Payroll Manager

Maker's Pride Talent Acquisition Team • Downers Grove, IL

50d • $97,210 - $145,814 • Remote

About The Position

We are seeking a strategic and hands-on Payroll Manager to lead our payroll operations responsible for processing accurate, timely and compliant payroll processing across the U.S. and Canada. This leader will manage multi-state, multi-province payrolls, maintain strong internal controls, oversee payroll tax compliance, support year-end activities, and drive payroll transformation, standardization and optimization utilizing Dayforce and other tools. The ideal candidate will combine strategic vision with operational excellence, capable of shaping the future of payroll while actively managing the day-to-day complexities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field.
• 7-10 years of progressive payroll experience; 3+ years leading payroll teams.
• Strong knowledge and experience in Dayforce Payroll & Reporting and strong Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, formulas, data audit logic); Understanding of payroll GL integration and reconciliation processes
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Strong organization skills, and the ability to work under pressure
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise extreme discretion
• Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks and meet all deadlines
• Excellent problem solving/judgment skills, and high level of attention to detail and accuracy
• Multi-state U.S. and Canadian payroll experience required; manufacturing or multi-location workforce preferred
• In-depth understanding of payroll tax laws and regulations.

Nice To Haves

• FPC or CPP designation preferred; PCP/CPM certification for Canada a plus

Responsibilities

• Lead full-cycle payroll processing across U.S. and Canadian employee groups, locations, and pay schedules (weekly, bi-weekly, current, arrears)
• Partner with HRIS to maintain and configure Dayforce Payroll, including earnings/deductions, tax profiles, pay groups, workflows, and audit rules, ensuring scalability and compliance across U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions
• Validate payroll inputs for accuracy (timekeeping, PTO, shift differentials, bonuses, benefit deductions).
• Manage payroll adjustments, reversals, retro pay, gross-ups, garnishments, and special pay scenarios
• Ensure accurate payroll accounting integration and GL posting in coordination with Finance.
• Ensure payroll operations comply with federal, state, and local regulatory requirements (FLSA, ESA, CPP/EI, local OT rules, tax laws and labor codes).
• Interpret and apply statutory and legislative changes and partner with HRIS to adjust system configurations.
• Oversee garnishment orders, tax levies, unemployment reporting, and workforce agency requirements.
• Maintain audit-ready controls to support SOX, internal audits, and external audits.
• Maintain confidentiality and data integrity across all payroll processes
• Manage payroll tax filings and remittances (U.S. Federal/State/Local & Canadian Federal/Provincial).
• Lead year-end activities including W-2, W-2c, 1099, T4, T4A, RL-1, and associated reconciliations.
• Reconcile and report taxable benefits including imputed income, GTL, stock/bonus taxation, and relocation benefits.
• Coordinate employee communications related to tax forms, gross-ups, and corrections.
• Lead and develop a team of Payroll Administrators, fostering accountability, collaboration, and service excellence.
• Provide coaching, training, and performance feedback to ensure team success.
• Oversee day-to-day operations and workload distribution across the team.
• Promote a continuous improvement and root-cause analysis mindset.
• Partner with HR, Finance, Legal, and IT to align payroll execution with business changes and policy design.
• Support labor relations and interpret union agreements related to pay rules, differentials, and overtime.
• Participate in budgeting, accruals, payroll cost analysis, financial planning cycles, forecasting, and workforce planning initiatives
• Identify and resolve payroll data discrepancies and trends (e.g., missed punches, manual adjustments)
• Create, maintain, and enhance payroll reports, audits, and dashboards using Dayforce Reporting & Data Analytics
• Lead payroll process improvement initiatives to simplify, standardize, and automate workflows.
• In partnership with Director of HR Technology, work with external vendors supporting payroll functions and monitor service delivery, SLAs and KPIs.
• Lead system optimization efforts and enhancements in partnership with HRIS.

Benefits

• We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, 401k and wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment.
• The position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive based on company and individual performance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level