Finance Manager - (Payroll/AP/Operations) - Pension!

ContractStaffingRecruiters.com; Middletown (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ContractStaffingRecruiters.com is looking for a Finance Operations and Payroll Manager in Middletown, Connecticut. The role supports the Senior Controller and CFO in overseeing payroll accounting and compliance across a multi-entity US structure. The ideal candidate has over 6 years of accounting experience, preferably with payroll and tax expertise.

You will own payroll processes, ensure compliance, manage tax filings, and lead system implementations. Strong communication skills and attention to detail are essential in this role.

Qualifications

• 6–10+ years’ experience in accounting with strong payroll and tax expertise.
• Excellent knowledge of IFRS, US GAAP, and local accounting standards.
• Experience leading system implementation projects.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end processes and controls across Payroll, Accounts Payable, and Travel & Expense.
• Execute and manage payroll cycles, including data extraction, validation, and submission.
• Manage payroll-related activities including 401(k), withholdings, and benefits.

Skills

Payroll management

Tax compliance

Project management

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or business-related

Professional qualification (CPA, CIMA, ACCA, ACA)

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Finance Operations and Payroll Manager to support the Senior Controller and CFO in managing payroll accounting, multi‑state tax compliance, and other key financial controls (payables & T&E) across a multi‑entity US structure. The position sits within Finance as a control function, with ownership over payroll‑related accounting, compliance, core finance and systems integration. The Finance Manager is expected to have impeccable communication, project management and problem‑solving skills, work strategically, creatively, autonomously and collaboratively across multiple teams and geographies, and take on additional responsibilities as the need arises.

Our ideal candidate will feel inspired by the company’s mission, be customer focused, detail oriented and have a strong sense of urgency.

Responsibilities

• Own end‑to‑end processes and controls across Payroll, Accounts Payable, and Travel & Expense.
• Execute and manage payroll cycles, including data extraction, validation, and submission to external payroll providers.
• Manage payroll‑related activities including 401(k), withholdings, garnishments, benefits, and workers’ compensation claims.
• Review and approve payroll journals, accruals, and related outputs to ensure reporting integrity.
• Reconcile payroll‑related & payable‑related balance sheet accounts and resolve variances in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with multi‑state payroll tax, filings, and statutory requirements.
• Enforce discipline and control across AP and T&E, including approvals, coding accuracy, and policy adherence.
• Standardize and improve processes to ensure scalability, consistency, and audit readiness.
• Partner with the Accounting Lead to ensure alignment between transactional processes and accounting outputs.
• Lead Finance input into payroll, AP, and HRIS/ERP systems to ensure processes are embedded and controlled.
• Identify and remediate control gaps, inefficiencies, and risks.
• Escalate control breaches, compliance risks, or irregularities to the Senior Controller and CFO.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree (accounting or business‑related) and relevant professional qualification (e.g., CPA, CIMA, ACCA, or ACA).
• 6–10+ years’ experience in accounting, with strong payroll and tax expertise.
• Excellent knowledge of IFRS, US GAAP and local accounting standards.
• Experience in a multi‑entity or manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience leading system implementation projects (ERP + payroll/HRIS implementation exposure).