Payroll Manager

Hunter+Sage; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Hunter+Sage is seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations in Houston. This role is hands-on and focuses on accurate weekly payroll processing, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with HR, Operations, and Finance to improve payroll systems and employee experience.

The ideal candidate brings 7+ years of payroll/HR operations experience, strong multi-state knowledge, and proficiency with Paylocity.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive payroll/HR operations experience
• Experience with multi-state payroll
• Experience with payroll data accuracy and audits
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace

Responsibilities

• Oversee weekly payroll processing and data validation
• Maintain accurate payroll records and ensure HRIS data integrity
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws
• Lead year-end payroll activities including W-2s and payroll tax filings
• Identify and implement process improvements for payroll and HRIS systems
• Support system implementations, testing, and upgrades
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and Operations to optimize inputs and reporting
• Respond to payroll inquiries and provide timely resolution
• Protect confidentiality of payroll information

Skills

Payroll management

Regulatory compliance

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree (Accounting/Finance/HR)

Payroll certification (FPC/CPP)

Tools

Paylocity

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Manager to lead and support payroll operations, ensuring employees are paid accurately, timely, and in compliance with applicable regulations. This is a hands-on role for a payroll professional who is comfortable managing the details of day-to-day payroll while also identifying opportunities to strengthen processes, systems, controls, and the overall employee experience.

The Senior Payroll Manager will partner closely with HR leadership, HR Operations, and Finance and will serve as a key resource for payroll-related questions, reporting, compliance, and system improvements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and support the accurate and timely processing of weekly payroll.
• Review and validate payroll data, including hours worked, compensation, deductions, taxes, adjustments, and direct deposits.
• Maintain accurate employee payroll records and ensure data integrity within the HRIS/payroll system.
• Process and review payroll changes related to new hires, terminations, promotions, compensation adjustments, and other employee changes.
• Ensure payroll practices comply with applicable federal, state, and local wage and hour requirements.
• Monitor payroll controls and procedures to maintain accuracy, confidentiality, and data security.
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies, employee inquiries, and other payroll-related issues.
• Serve as a knowledgeable payroll resource for employees, managers, and internal stakeholders.
• Partner with HR Operations and Finance to ensure accurate payroll inputs, reconciliations, reporting, and general ledger support.
• Prepare and review payroll reports and documentation for internal and external audits.
• Support required payroll filings, recordkeeping, and compliance activities.
• Lead and support year-end payroll activities, including W-2 preparation and distribution.
• Support the ongoing administration and optimization of payroll and HRIS systems.
• Participate in system implementations, testing, upgrades, and process enhancements.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll accuracy, efficiency, controls, and the employee experience.
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality when handling sensitive payroll and employee information.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive payroll, HR operations, or related experience, with strong hands-on payroll knowledge.
• Experience supporting payroll within an organization of similar size or complexity.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations and wage and hour requirements.
• Experience with payroll and HRIS platforms; Paylocity experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting multi-state payroll preferred.
• Familiarity with New York City payroll requirements and regulations is a plus.
• Nonprofit payroll experience is a plus.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify discrepancies, troubleshoot issues, and drive resolution.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to payroll accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a service-oriented approach to supporting employees and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively across HR, Finance, and other business functions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or similar business applications.
• Payroll certification, such as FPC or CPP, is a plus.
• SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or equivalent HR certification is a plus.
• Pre-employment screening, including a background check, is required.