Sr. Manager, Payroll

Thomson Reuters•Eagan, MN

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Payroll is responsible for the strategic oversight, governance, and operational excellence of payroll processes supporting employees across six countries, as well as additional locations managed through Employer of Record (EOR) arrangements. This role partners closely with outsourced payroll providers, HR, Finance, Tax, and Technology teams to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll execution. The position leads a team of payroll professionals, drives continuous improvement initiatives, maintains a strong internal control environment, and ensures compliance with all applicable payroll regulations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
10+ years of progressive payroll experience, including global payroll operations in a complex, multi-jurisdictional environment.
Minimum 2+ years in a supervisory/management role
Demonstrated experience and knowledge of payroll tax and employment regulations
Knowledge of accounting, with a focus on payroll accounting
Experience with internal controls aimed at reducing operational risk
Experience mentoring and coaching a team
Ability to research, identify, and resolve complex payroll issues

Nice To Haves

Experience with ADP HR/Payroll/Time Reporting is a plus
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation strongly preferred.
Advanced knowledge of MS productivity tools (MS Office); Word, PPT, and Excel
Project Management mindset and experience

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop a team of payroll professionals responsible for supporting global payroll operations.
Build organizational capability through coaching, succession planning, and talent development.
Set performance goals and conduct regular reviews.
Allocate workload and ensure adequate coverage to meet business needs.
Foster a culture of accountability, customer service, and continuous improvement.
Develop and execute the payroll strategy aligned with organizational objectives.
Establish and maintain payroll governance standards, operating procedures, and performance reporting frameworks.
Responsible for payroll across six countries, as well as additional locations managed through Employer of Record (EOR) arrangements, ensuring compliance with local statutory, tax, employment, and reporting requirements.
Lead transformational initiatives to improve payroll service delivery and employee experience.
Proactively manage payroll auditing, validation, and approval.
Responsible for payroll delivery, vendor governance, operational effectiveness initiatives, service level performance, and management of end-to-end payroll controls.
Serve as the primary contact for payroll tax-related issues and partner with internal and external stakeholders to research and resolve complex matters.
Manage various audits, such as employment tax audits and internal/external audits.
Manage the administration of the registration or closure of employment tax authorizations as well as the remittance and reporting of payroll tax.
Analyze payroll metrics and trends to identify risks, improve processes, and support strategic decision-making.
Lead the governance and performance management of outsourced payroll providers, ensuring achievement of contractual service levels, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.
Manage vendor relationships to deliver timely, accurate and compliant payroll.
Resolve discrepancies, payment issues, and vendor inquiries.
Design and enforce internal controls to prevent duplicate payments, fraud, and errors.
Support proper segregation of duties.
Monitor regulatory developments impacting payroll tax compliance.
Ensure accurate payroll tax filings, remittances, reconciliations, and year-end reporting.
Ensure compliance with company policy, tax regulations, and audit requirements.
Assess and remediate payroll process risks on an ongoing basis.
Ensure proper recording of liabilities and accruals in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
Manage payroll software/ERP systems (e.g., ADP/SAP etc.).
Demonstrate a continuous improvement mindset.
Lead automation and efficiency initiatives.
Develop and maintain process documentation and standard operating procedures.
Collaborate with IT/Finance on system upgrades or integrations.
Partner with Finance and HR on payroll-related policies and procedures.
Partner with Finance to ensure timely and accurate payroll accounting, reporting, accruals, reconciliations, journal entries, and balance sheet account reviews.
Partner with Tax and external advisors on complex payroll tax matters.
Serve as point of escalation for vendor and internal stakeholder issues.

Benefits

Hybrid Work Model
Flexibility & Work-Life Balance
Work from anywhere for up to 8 weeks per year
Career Development and Growth
Grow My Way programming
Skills-first approach
Flexible vacation
Two company-wide Mental Health Days off
Access to the Headspace app
Retirement savings
Tuition reimbursement
Employee incentive programs
Resources for mental, physical, and financial wellbeing
Globally recognized, award-winning reputation for inclusion and belonging, flexibility, work-life balance, and more.
Two paid volunteer days off annually
Opportunities to get involved with pro-bono consulting projects and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives.
Market competitive health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance programs
Competitive 401k plan with company match
Competitive vacation, sick and safe paid time off
Paid holidays (including two company mental health days off)
Parental leave
Sabbatical leave
Optional hospital, accident and sickness insurance paid 100% by the employee
Optional life and AD&D insurance paid 100% by the employee
Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
Fitness reimbursement
Access to Employee Assistance Program
Group Legal Identity Theft Protection benefit paid 100% by employee
Access to 529 Plan
Commuter benefits
Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance
Access to Employee Stock Purchase Plan