Payroll Manager

Payroll Manager — Complex Union Payroll & UKG Expertise

Overview

A leading transit organization is seeking a senior-level Payroll Manager to take ownership of complex, end-to-end payroll processing for approximately 5,000 employees. This hands-on role will support multi-state payroll operations across numerous Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), including biweekly and semimonthly payrolls.

The ideal candidate is a technical payroll expert with deep UKG experience, strong knowledge of union payroll requirements, and the ability to step in quickly with minimal training. This is a high-impact opportunity to provide operational leadership, guide payroll specialists, and help ensure accurate, timely payroll processing in a dynamic environment.

Required Skills

• 5+ years of experience owning and processing complex, unionized payroll
• Extensive experience interpreting and applying multiple Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Strong UKG payroll system expertise with the ability to contribute immediately
• Experience processing multi-state payroll
• Experience with biweekly and semimonthly payroll frequencies
• Strong Excel skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Prior Payroll Manager or senior-level payroll responsibilities
• Ability to manage detailed payroll processes, deadlines, reconciliations, and issue resolution
• Ability to provide direction and technical guidance to payroll specialists
• Proven ability to maintain accuracy and confidentiality when handling sensitive employee and payroll information

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Experience with UKG Workforce Management
• Transit industry experience
• Experience supporting payroll for a large, unionized workforce
• Experience processing payroll for California employees
• Familiarity with time and attendance processes
• Experience collaborating with Time & Expense teams
• Experience working with 13 or more union agreements

Preferred Education and Experience

• Senior-level payroll experience in a complex, multi-state environment
• Prior experience managing payroll operations or serving as a Payroll Manager
• Experience supporting a workforce of approximately 5,000 employees
• Experience working with multiple payroll groups and varying employee populations
• Relevant payroll expertise and demonstrated experience are highly valued; specific educational requirements are not specified

Other Requirements

• Contract duration of 6+ months
• Hybrid position in Boston preferred; remote candidates may be considered
• Ability to work Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
• Flexibility to support hours outside the standard schedule during California payroll processing weeks
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities
• Business-casual work environment for onsite employees