Assistant Payroll Manager

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Group 1 Automotive, Inc. is seeking an Assistant Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations across multiple states, ensuring accurate, timely processing and strict compliance.

You will partner with HR, Accounting, Finance and external vendors to drive efficiency, accuracy, and employee satisfaction in a large multi-entity environment. Candidates should bring a strong background in corporate payroll, supervisory experience, and familiarity with Workday or similar systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance preferred; 5+ years of related experience accepted in lieu of degree.
• 2+ years payroll experience in corporate/multi-location environment with leadership duties.
• Payroll certification (FPC/CPP) is a plus; strong knowledge of payroll regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee weekly, bi-weekly, and semi-monthly payrolls across multiple states and entities.
• Lead, coach, and develop payroll staff.
• Ensure compliance with federal/state/local payroll laws and company policies.
• Maintain payroll system integrity and integrations with timekeeping, benefits, HRIS, and downstream systems.
• Handle audits, reconciliations, and year-end processes.

Skills

Payroll leadership

Multi-state payroll

Regulatory compliance

Workday expertise

Timekeeping integration

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance

Payroll certification (FPC/CPP)

Tools

Workday

Microsoft Office

Job description

About Us

Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (NYSE: GPI) is a Fortune 250 leader in global automotive retail, operating more than 250 dealerships and collision centers across the United States and United Kingdom. As the 4th largest dealership group in the U.S., Group 1 delivers a fully integrated automotive experience, including vehicle sales, financing, aftersales service, and digital retail solutions. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Group 1 is investing in the people, technology, and operational excellence needed to shape what comes next. Our work is grounded in a simple belief, that a better experience for customers starts with an exemplary experience for employees. At Group 1, our commitment is to keep finding smarter ways to serve our customers and support one another. We believe great careers are built in environments where people are trusted, challenged, and given room to grow. If you share our core values of integrity, transparency, professionalism, teamwork, and respect, you can get more with Group 1. More opportunity. More support. More ways to build a career that moves you forward.

Overview

The Assistant Payroll Manager is responsible for the leadership, execution, and continuous improvement of payroll operations for Group 1 Automotive's multi-state, multi-entity payroll environment. This position oversees payroll processing activities, payroll staff, system integrity, compliance, and operational controls to ensure accurate and timely payroll delivery. The Assistant Payroll Manager partners with Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, Treasury, operational leadership, and external vendors to support payroll administration, tax compliance, process optimization, and employee satisfaction.

This role serves as a key leader within Payroll Services, providing guidance, coaching, and oversight to payroll team members while ensuring adherence to company policies, payroll regulations, and internal controls. The Assistant Payroll Manager drives efficiency, consistency, and continuous improvement across payroll operations while supporting the organization's growth and strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee the accurate and timely processing of weekly, bi-weekly, and semi-monthly payrolls for a large multi-state, multi-entity organization.
• Lead, coach, develop, and support payroll team members through training, performance management, career development, and day-to-day operational guidance.
• Ensure payroll transactions, including new hires, terminations, pay changes, deductions, garnishments, and other employee updates, are processed accurately and in compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee payroll tax, settlement, funding, and year-end processes to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain and enhance payroll system integrity, including integration with timekeeping, benefits, HRIS, and downstream financial systems.
• Review payroll audits, reconciliations, exception reporting, and control processes to ensure payroll accuracy and data integrity.
• Prepare and review payroll-related accruals, account reconciliations, and general ledger interfaces in partnership with Accounting and Finance teams.
• Serve as an escalation point for complex payroll inquiries, issues, and employee concerns, ensuring timely and effective resolution.
• Partner with Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, Treasury, Information Technology, and third-party vendors to support payroll operations and system effectiveness.
• Develop, maintain, and enforce payroll policies, procedures, internal controls, and documentation to support compliance and operational excellence.
• Monitor payroll compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, payroll tax regulations, and company policies.
• Support year-end payroll activities, including W-2 processing, balancing, reconciliation, and employee communications.
• Lead payroll-related system testing, implementation activities, acquisitions, integrations, and process improvement initiatives.
• Analyze payroll metrics, operational trends, and service levels to identify opportunities for increased efficiency, accuracy, and customer service.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of employee, payroll, and company information.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and exceptional customer service within the Payroll Services team.
• Support strategic payroll initiatives and other duties as assigned to help achieve the mission and objectives of Group 1 Automotive.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field strongly preferred; equivalent experience (minimum 5 years) considered in lieu of a degree
• 2+ years of payroll experience in a corporate or multi-location environment, including experience supervising, guiding, coaching, or overseeing payroll staff
• Payroll certification (FPC, CPP) is a big plus
• In-depth understanding of payroll regulations and tax laws
• Hands-on experience with payroll and timekeeping systems such as Workday or similar platforms
• Advanced proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and process discipline
• Ability to oversee sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. Employment is contingent upon successfully completing all applicable pre-employment requirements in accordance with federal, state, and local law.