Payroll Manager - Valley Metro

Keolis Canada•Tempe, AZ

12d•$105,000 - $115,000

About The Position

The Payroll Manager oversees payroll operations for the Valley Metro business, ensuring payroll processing, related transactions, and procedures comply with applicable laws, taxes, union agreements, internal controls, company policies, and collective bargaining agreement changes. The role manages payroll processes and systems, monitors performance and delivery timelines, analyzes trends and systemic issues, and identifies opportunities to reduce risk and improve performance through standardization and ongoing monitoring. The position collaborates with HR, Finance, and other working groups; responds to payroll questions; provides accurate reporting to stakeholders; and educates, mentors, and trains employees and payroll staff. It leads initiatives to streamline payroll processes and systems and maintains payroll records, reports, timecard configurations, and UKG configurations. Travel to company locations and new business sites is required as needed for training and operational support. The role includes frequent reporting through UKG Business Intelligence, data entry and cleanup, support for corporate staff’s routine payroll needs, and other assigned administrative duties. The posting describes general physical demands that may apply across roles, including prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and other physical activities, as well as possible exposure to temperature extremes, noise, fumes, and airborne particles. Office staff may work indoors in offices or cubicles with a telephone and computer. Employment is contingent on a background check; the posting specifies drug screening and a physical examination for safety-sensitive positions. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not provided.

Requirements

At least 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 Workforce Management (WFM), is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee and direct all 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 and collaborate with cross-functional working groups, including HR and Finance.
Monitor the performance and delivery timelines of key processes.
Educate, mentor, and train employees on payroll processes and compliance expectations.
Analyze trends and systemic issues and advise on action plans.
Collect and 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 with awareness of business priorities.
Identify opportunities to reduce risk and improve business performance through standardization and continuous monitoring.
Ensure timecard and UKG configurations comply with internal controls, company policies, and current collective bargaining agreement changes.
Travel to new business sites to conduct payroll training.
Lead initiatives and projects to streamline and enhance payroll processes and systems.
Provide training and guidance to payroll staff on compliance and process improvements.
Travel to company locations as needed to support payroll operations and compliance efforts.
Report frequently through UKG Business Intelligence.
Maintain accurate payroll records and reports.
Perform data entry and data cleanup as necessary.
Support corporate staff with routine payroll needs and perform other assigned administrative duties.