Payroll Manager

Emerson & Co • Kansas City, MO

11d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Payroll Manager to lead our payroll department while maintaining direct involvement in day-to-day payroll operations. This position combines departmental leadership with hands-on operational responsibility, including payroll processing, existing client support, and new client onboarding. The ideal candidate is highly organized, exceptionally detail-oriented, thorough, diligent, and proactive, with a strong sense of ownership and an entrepreneurial mindset. This individual should naturally think ahead, consider the potential downstream and unintended consequences of decisions, identify opportunities for improvement, and take initiative to implement meaningful changes. The Payroll Manager will be responsible for maintaining a high standard of accuracy, compliance, efficiency, and client service while developing the team and strengthening the department’s processes and infrastructure to support continued growth.

Requirements

• Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, thoroughness, and follow-through.
• Highly organized with the ability to effectively manage multiple clients, deadlines, priorities, and projects.
• Forward-thinking and proactive, with the ability to anticipate potential issues and downstream impacts.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills with sound judgment and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate and improve processes and effectively implement change.
• Strong leadership, coaching, delegation, and accountability skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and client-service skills.
• Ability and willingness to maintain direct involvement in payroll processing and client support.
• Strong sense of ownership, initiative, and accountability with an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Working knowledge of federal and state payroll tax laws and compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel and payroll/accounting software.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism.
• Proven payroll experience, preferably in a multi-client or multi-state environment.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with ADP Run, ADP Workforce Now, Payentry, or SurePayroll is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage, coach, develop, and provide direction to two Payroll Specialists.
• Establish clear expectations, priorities, and accountability while serving as a resource for complex payroll and client matters.
• Maintain direct involvement in day-to-day payroll processing, including reviewing payrolls for accuracy, meeting deadlines, resolving issues, and providing operational support and coverage as needed.
• Support existing payroll clients, address complex or escalated issues, and maintain strong client relationships through responsive, accurate, and professional service.
• Manage and participate in the onboarding of new payroll clients, including system setup, configuration, testing, implementation, and transition to ongoing service.
• Ensure payroll processing, tax filings, employee changes, system configurations, and records are accurate, timely, and compliant with applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
• Regularly evaluate departmental processes, identify inefficiencies and risks, and implement improvements that increase accuracy, efficiency, consistency, and scalability.
• Create, maintain, and update Standard Operating Procedures to ensure processes are clearly documented, consistently followed, and aligned with current systems and practices.
• Lead departmental projects from planning through completion, including establishing priorities, coordinating responsibilities, managing deadlines, and communicating progress.
• Anticipate potential issues and evaluate the downstream and unintended consequences of decisions, process changes, and team actions.
• Proactively address risks before they affect clients or the company.
• Demonstrate a high level of ownership and accountability for the performance and success of the payroll department.
• Approach the role with an entrepreneurial mindset, proactively identify opportunities and challenges, and take initiative to continuously strengthen the department and the company.

Benefits

• Company-wide and Department-specific Bonus Plans
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a monthly employer contribution to a Health Savings Account.
• Retirement with employer match
• Student Loan Reimbursement Plan
• Paid time off, paid holidays and flex time
• Commissions for new client referrals
• Professional development and growth opportunities
• Supportive and collaborative work environment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree