Manager, Payroll Services

Sequoia; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Sequoia is seeking a Payroll Manager to lead its Payroll Services organization. This role combines hands-on payroll expertise with people leadership, operational excellence, and a client-service mindset.

You will guide a high-performing payroll team across multiple clients, ensure timely, compliant processing, and partner with HR, Benefits, Finance, and vendors to optimize workflows and metrics.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience across multiple clients.
• Proven people management and leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of payroll fundamentals and wage rules.
• Experience partnering cross-functionally with internal teams.
• Ability to design and implement scalable payroll processes.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and detail-oriented skills.
• Capable of managing multiple priorities in deadline-driven settings.
• Proficiency with Excel and payroll reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a payroll team across multiple clients.
• Oversee end-to-end payroll operations with deadlines and standards.
• Serve as escalation point for complex payroll issues and inquiries.
• Partner with HR, Benefits, Finance, Technology, and vendors.
• Document and improve payroll processes and SOPs for scalability.
• Collaborate with Tax to execute quarter-end and year-end activities.
• Monitor performance metrics and report risks and improvements.
• Champion Sequoia’s service culture for exceptional client experience.

Skills

Payroll leadership

Multi-state payroll

Client relation

Process improvement

Analytical skills

Excel

Tools

Payroll systems

HRIS

Time & attendance

Job description

As a Payroll Manager, you will play a critical leadership role within Sequoia’s Payroll Services organization. This role combines hands‑on payroll expertise with people leadership, operational excellence, and a strong client-service mindset.

• Lead, coach, and develop a high‑performing payroll team responsible for accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across multiple clients
• Oversee end‑to‑end payroll operations, ensuring payrolls are processed accurately and in accordance with established deadlines and service standards
• Serve as an escalation point for complex payroll issues, client inquiries, and compliance‑related questions
• Partner cross‑functionally with internal teams (e.g., HR, Benefits, Finance, Technology, Client Success) and external vendors (payroll systems, time and attendance, HRIS)
• Drive consistency and scalability by documenting, maintaining, and improving payroll processes, workflows, and standard operating procedures
• Partner with the Tax team to ensure effective execution of quarter‑end and year‑end activities, including tax filings, returns, and W‑2 processing
• Monitor key performance metrics and report on team performance, risk areas, and operational improvements
• Champion Sequoia’s service philosophy and culture, ensuring an exceptional and trustworthy client experience

What You Bring

• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including multi‑state and multi‑client payroll environments
• Proven people management and leadership experience, with the ability to coach, motivate, and develop team members
• Strong working knowledge of payroll fundamentals, wage and hour rules, and involuntary deductions (garnishments, levies, etc.)
• Experience partnering cross‑functionally and communicating effectively with internal stakeholders and external clients
• Demonstrated ability to design, document, and implement scalable processes and operational improvements
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills, with strong attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively in a deadline‑driven environment
• Proficiency in Excel and payroll‑related reporting and analysis
• A passion for delivering exceptional service and continuously improving the client and employee experience