Payroll Manager

Detroit Pistons; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Detroit Pistons is seeking a Payroll Manager to oversee end-to-end payroll for all employees, including NBA players, coaches, basketball operations staff, business staff and game-day personnel. You will ensure accuracy, regulatory compliance and handle highly confidential information with professionalism.

The role requires knowledge of multi-state payroll, tax rules and CBAs, and collaboration with HRIS/payroll systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or equivalent.
• 5+ years of payroll experience.
• Experience in sports or organizations with complex compensation structures is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of 401(k) plans and compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with CBAs and athlete compensation structures is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Complete end-to-end payroll processing for all staff categories (players, coaches, staff, game-day personnel).
• Coordinate with tax manager and payroll provider on multi-state requirements and travel payroll.
• Ensure compliance with league rules, CBAs and tax regulations.
• Oversee deductions (401K, garnishments) and payroll audits.
• Prepare payroll journal entries and month-end reconciliations.
• Collaborate with HRIS/payroll systems to ensure data integrity and security.

Skills

Payroll processing

Multi-state payroll

CBA knowledge

Excel

Confidentiality

Communication

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

Tools

Paylocity

Job description

Description

Are you looking to be part of a high-performing team of go-getters who make a difference both on and off the court? Join the Detroit Pistons as we harness the power of basketball to unite our city, elevate our fans, and drive lasting community impact.

The Payroll Manager oversees all payroll operations for the organization, including NBA players (and future WNBA personnel), coaches, basketball operations staff, business operations staff, and part-time/event staff. This role requires knowledge of payroll regulations, league and tax compliance requirements, and the ability to manage highly confidential information with professionalism and discretion. The ideal candidate will also bring an innovative approach to improving and streamlining existing payroll processes and systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete end-to-end payroll processing for all employees, including full-time and part-time staff, athletes, coaches, and game-day personnel
• Coordinate with tax manager and payroll provider on multi-state/provincial and international payroll requirements for players and traveling staff, and communicate with Players and representatives
• Coordinate with league representatives to ensure compliance with league rules, collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), and tax regulations
• Oversee, review and coordinate all employee deduction activities including 401K and garnishments
• Manage payroll-related audits and/or audit requests, including 401K, workers compensation, financial and league or regulatory reviews
• Review and approve payroll tax reports and ensure timely remittance of taxes and statutory deductions; reconcile year end reporting with payroll provider
• Provide cash management reporting for all processed and projected payrolls
• Partner with HR for oversight of HRIS/payroll systems, ensuring data accuracy, security, and proper integration
• Respond to manager, employee and designated representative payroll inquiries and resolve discrepancies
• Assist with preparation of payroll journal entries, and month end payroll account reconciliations

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or equivalent work experience in payroll field
• 5+ years of payroll experience
• Experience in sports, entertainment, or organizations with complex compensation and taxation structures is a plus
• Strong knowledge of 401(k) plans including management, oversight and compliance
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements (multi-jurisdictional experience preferred)
• Familiarity with CBAs and athlete compensation structures is a plus

Skills & Competencies

• Deep attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information and word in a deadline-driven environment (NBA and WNBA calendars)
• Proficiency in Paylocity payroll system a plus and advanced Excel skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Working Conditions

• Position requires flexible work during certain times including bi-weekly and semi-monthly payroll processing, basketball season, and year-end processing
• Coordination with basketball and accounting staff

Preferred (NBA-Specific Experience)

• Experience working with contracts, bonuses, and special payroll payments
• Experience handling payroll for unionized environments and high-profile employees
• Experience with the state wage allocation

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

We are dedicated to ensuring equal access throughout the employment process. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable participation in the application and interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. If you require an accommodation, please contact us to request assistance.