Payroll Manager

Join our client onsite in Newark, DE.

The Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing and executing all payroll operations to ensure employees are paid accurately, timely, and in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This position manages payroll processes, payroll records, tax reporting, 401k and profit-sharing reporting, payroll audits, and payroll system administration while maintaining strong internal controls, confidentiality, audit readiness, and regulatory compliance.

This is a direct placement role and works onsite.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for multi-state employee populations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
• Supervise and support Payroll Coordinator, including training, scheduling, performance management, and workflow oversight.
• Maintain expert-level knowledge of all payroll processes, procedures, controls, and system functionality.
• Process and review payroll changes including new hires, terminations, promotions, deductions, garnishments, bonuses, and tax updates.
• Ensure compliance with applicable wage and hour laws, payroll tax regulations, SOX/internal control requirements, and company reporting standards.
• Reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts and partner with accounting on month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities.
• Manage 401k and profit-sharing processes including timely submissions of weekly employee contributions, quarterly profit-sharing calculations, annual census preparation, and year end testing validation and match true-up calculations.
• Prepare and reconcile payroll reports, payroll tax filings, quarterly reports, and year-end processing including W-2s.
• Serve as primary liaison with payroll vendors, auditors, benefit providers, and internal departments.
• Collaborate with HR regarding employee data integrity, benefits deductions, leave administration, and compensation changes.
• Develop and maintain payroll procedures and internal controls to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Prepare payroll reports, analytics, and ad hoc reporting for leadership as needed.
• Assist with budgeting, labor reporting, and compensation-related reporting as needed.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, human resources, business administration, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive payroll experience, including multi-state payroll management responsibility.
• Advanced experience with ADP payroll systems is required
• Minimum 3-year experience supervising or leading payroll staff
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, wage and hour compliance, and payroll best practices
• Experience with payroll reconciliations, audits, and financial reporting support.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and payroll reporting tools.
• Prior experience in a publicly traded company environment is preferred
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.
• Experience with payroll system implementations or upgrades.