Payroll Manager

Confidential; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential in Atlanta, GA is seeking a Payroll Manager to lead global payroll operations across multiple countries, ensuring timely, accurate, and SOX-compliant processing. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution and oversees payroll accounting, audits, and vendor relationships.

The position is hybrid, with four days on-site in GA, TX, or WA offices. You will collaborate with HR, Accounting, and Finance, mentor staff, and drive process improvements across payroll systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification preferred.
• Experience leading a global payroll function.

Responsibilities

• Lead the global payroll function supporting a multi-country employee population.
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing in compliance with local tax and labor regulations for regular, supplemental, and off-cycle payrolls.
• Manage the monthly payroll close process and support payroll-related financial reporting.
• Ensure timely and accurate payroll accounting including compensation accounting and balance sheet reconciliation.
• Partner cross-functionally with Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, and other stakeholders.
• Oversee integrations between payroll systems, HR systems, and third-party vendors.
• Mentor, develop, and support payroll team members.
• Manage internal and external payroll audits.
• Maintain relationships with external payroll providers across locations.
• Review and audit payroll activities including wages, tax withholdings, deductions, garnishments, quarterly tax adjustments, year-end payroll tax reporting.
• Develop, document, and maintain payroll processes and internal controls in SOX compliance.
• Lead payroll process improvement initiatives, system enhancements, upgrades, and implementations.
• Develop and report key performance metrics for the payroll function.
• Support special projects and other business initiatives as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem solving

Time management

Cross-time-zone collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Accounting/Finance

CPP certification preferred

Tools

Workday Payroll

Workday HCM

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

The Payroll Manager is a key leadership position responsible for leading and managing all aspects of global payroll operations. This individual will provide both strategic leadership and hands‑on execution to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant payroll processing across multiple countries. The role also oversees payroll accounting, process improvements, internal controls, and payroll‑related systems and vendor relationships.

This position follows a hybrid work schedule, requiring four days per week onsite in GA or TX or WA offices. For qualified candidates, we may consider other locations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the global payroll function supporting a multi-country employee population
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing in compliance with local tax and labor regulations, including regular, supplemental, and off‑cycle payrolls
• Manage the monthly payroll close process and support payroll‑related financial reporting
• Ensure timely and accurate payroll accounting, including employee compensation accounting and balance sheet reconciliation
• Partner cross‑functionally with Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, and other internal stakeholders
• Oversee integrations between payroll systems, HR systems, and third‑party vendors
• Mentor, develop, and support payroll team members
• Manage internal and external payroll audits
• Maintain relationships with external payroll providers across all operating location
• Review and audit payroll activities, including wages, tax withholdings, deductions, garnishments, quarterly tax adjustments, and year‑end payroll tax reporting
• Develop, document, and maintain payroll processes and internal controls in compliance with SOX requirements
• Lead payroll process improvement initiatives, system enhancements, upgrades, and implementations
• Develop and report key performance metrics for the payroll function
• Support special projects and other business initiatives as needed

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading a global payroll function with strong leadership and team management skills
• Strong analytical skills, including experience performing variance analysis and balance sheet reconciliations
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or a related field; Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification preferred
• Required experience with Workday Payroll and Workday HCM
• Thorough knowledge of payroll regulations, tax requirements, and employment laws
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong problem‑solving abilities
• Detail‑oriented, resourceful, and committed to continuous process improvement
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain a high degree of accuracy
• Flexible and able to collaborate across multiple time zones
• Public company and SOX compliance experience preferred