Payroll Manager (Hybrid)

Qualfon•Highland Park, MI

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Payroll Manager leads and oversees end-to-end payroll operations for a large, multi-state workforce in a fast-paced, high-turnover environment. The role ensures payroll accuracy, regulatory compliance, and timely execution while managing a team of Payroll Specialists. The Payroll Manager serves as an advisor to cross-functional partners and the primary liaison with payroll vendors, driving operational excellence, process standardization, and continuous improvement across U.S. payroll operations. This is a hybrid role requiring onsite presence at the facility in Highland Park, Michigan.

Requirements

At least 5 years of payroll management experience, including direct people leadership.
Extensive multi-state payroll experience, with strong expertise in California and Pennsylvania payroll regulations.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local tax jurisdictions, wage and hour laws, and FLSA.
Hands-on experience with UKG timekeeping systems.
Experience working with ADP SmartCompliance and post-payroll services.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-turnover environment while supporting employees with varying skill levels.

Nice To Haves

At least 5 years of Canadian/Quebec payroll experience.
Payroll implementation experience.
Experience with SAP Employee Central Payroll (ECP) and/or SAP S/4HANA Payroll.
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee end-to-end payroll operations and ensure adherence to applicable federal, state, and local payroll, wage and hour laws, and FLSA requirements.
Manage payroll inquiries and issue resolution, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant responses.
Review payroll-related journal entries, reconciliations, and variance analyses for financial accuracy and integrity.
Fulfill internal and external audit requests and support business partners with ad hoc reporting and routine payroll reconciliations.
Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll vendors and third-party providers, including ADP.
Conduct payroll and timekeeping audits, reconciliations, tax filings, and year-end processes, including W-2 preparation and related regulatory reporting.
Partner with the Person Office, Benefits, Finance, Operations, and other stakeholders to support business decisions and provide payroll guidance on policy changes and compliance considerations.
Develop, document, and maintain payroll standard operating procedures and internal controls to promote consistency, compliance, and audit readiness.
Drive process standardization and optimization across U.S. payroll operations, identifying opportunities for automation, simplification, and self-service.
Lead or coordinate employee training for orientation and process adoption, in person or via team.
Use digital tools, analytics, and reporting to improve payroll efficiency, accuracy, scalability, and employee experience.
Lead, coach, and develop Payroll Specialists, promoting accountability, high performance, and professional growth in a high-volume environment.
Resolve tax issues and payroll reconciliation items in collaboration with ADP Tax Services, taxing authorities, accounting, and ADP customer technical support.
Maintain and process annual escheatments to various state entities.