Payroll Manager
Our client is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations for a workforce of more than 2,500 employees across the U.S. and Canada. This includes both union and non-union groups. The person in this role will not only ensure accuracy and compliance but also mentor a payroll team and partner closely with leadership on process improvements.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee all payroll activities for U.S. and Canadian employees, ensuring timeliness, compliance, and accuracy.
- Manage payroll processing for union employees, aligning practices with collective bargaining agreements.
- Lead, train, and develop payroll specialists, monitoring workloads and supporting professional growth.
- Handle multi-state and Canadian payroll tax filings, reconciliations, garnishments, and deductions.
- Partner with Finance, HR, and Legal to align policies, improve reporting, and maintain compliance.
- Act as the main point of contact for auditors and external accounting firms, supporting quarterly and annual reviews.
- Ensure proper internal controls and accurate reporting of payroll-related financial data.
- Work with ERP systems (PeopleSoft experience required; cloud-based payroll knowledge is a plus).
- Drive automation and standardization of payroll processes, always looking for ways to improve efficiency.
- Support year-end payroll activities in both the U.S. and Canada.
- Take on special projects and organizational changes with a hands-on, solutions-focused mindset.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
- At least 7 years of progressive payroll experience, including 3+ years in a leadership role.
- Expertise in payroll operations across multiple states and Canada.
- Strong knowledge of payroll taxes, garnishments, and union payroll compliance.
- Proficiency with PeopleSoft HRMS; cloud payroll experience is a plus.
- Background working with external auditors and supporting audit cycles.
- Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Strong communicator who can work effectively with executives, cross-functional teams, and outside partners.
- Collaborative, adaptable, and confident under pressure.
- Deep knowledge of payroll compliance in U.S. & Canada.
- Ability to lead and develop teams.
- Strong organizational and analytical mindset.
- Clear and effective cross-functional communication.
- Calm and steady approach in fast-paced or high-pressure environments.
This position is no longer accepting applications. However, we welcome you to submit your resume to recruiter@hunterandsage.com for consideration in future opportunities.