Head of Payroll Operations & Compliance

Mariner Finance; White Marsh (MD); On-site; USD 94,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

Mariner Finance is seeking an experienced payroll leader to manage end-to-end payroll operations across multiple states. You will ensure accurate, timely processing while maintaining regulatory compliance and internal controls.

The role collaborates with HR, Finance, IT, and external vendors to optimize systems, governance, and reporting. The ideal candidate brings extensive multi-state payroll experience, strong regulatory knowledge, and a proven ability to lead a team in a high-volume

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• Six+ years of progressive payroll experience, multi-state and high-volume processing.
• Experience administering payroll for large workforce with high accuracy and compliance.
• Experience leading payroll operations and managing team performance.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws and tax regulations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and payroll systems/HRIS.
• Experience managing payroll audits and ensuring audit readiness.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership for payroll, ensuring accurate, timely processing and regulatory compliance.
• Lead payroll operations, technology, compliance, reporting, audits, and process improvements.
• Own end-to-end payroll for multi-state, semi-monthly/biweekly cycles and validate/payroll balances.
• Administer payroll systems, coordinate testing, upgrades, and issue resolution.
• Develop and refine payroll processes and internal controls for efficiency and accuracy.
• Audit payroll transactions and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Ensure adherence to all payroll regulations and tax requirements.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, IT, and vendors to advance payroll initiatives.
• Support year-end activities including W-2 processing and ACA filings.

Skills

Payroll leadership

Multi-state payroll

HRIS familiarity

Payroll audits

Regulatory compliance

Vendor collaboration

Team management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/Finance/Accounting

4 years college coursework substituted for degree

Tools

Dayforce

UKG

Job description

Mariner Finance is seeking an experienced payroll leader to manage end-to-end payroll operations across multiple states. You will ensure accurate, timely processing while maintaining regulatory compliance and internal controls.

The role collaborates with HR, Finance, IT, and external vendors to optimize systems, governance, and reporting. The ideal candidate brings extensive multi-state payroll experience, strong regulatory knowledge, and a proven ability to lead a team in a high-volume