Payroll Manager

STS Technical Services; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

STS Technical Services in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is seeking a Payroll Manager to oversee payroll for about 1,900 employees. This on-site, direct-hire role combines payroll leadership, team management, financial reporting, job costing, and ERP system improvements to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing.

Reporting to the Controller, you will guide a four-person payroll team, address tax and benefits questions, and help plan a potential move to Workday.

Qualifications

• Experience managing payroll for a large workforce.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with payroll processing systems (Paychex preferred; Workday a plus).

Responsibilities

• Oversee accurate and timely payroll processing for ~1,900 employees.
• Lead job costing and labor tracking through ERP development.
• Provide payroll-related reporting to support financial and operational decisions.

Skills

Management experience

Team leadership

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Paychex

Workday

Epicor ERP

Job description

STS Technical Services is hiring an experienced Payroll Manager in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for a full-time, direct-hire opportunity.

This onsite position is responsible for overseeing payroll operations for approximately 1,900 employees, supporting payroll compliance, managing financial reporting, and leading payroll process improvements.

Reporting to the Controller, the Payroll Manager will lead a team of four payroll professionals while supporting job costing, labor tracking, and ERP system development.

We’re looking for a payroll professional with management experience, strong analytical skills, and an understanding of payroll processing systems, financial reporting, and job costing. Experience with Paychex is preferred, and Workday experience is a plus.

Position Details

• Job Title: Payroll Manager
• Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Work Location: Onsite, five days per week
• Employment Type: Direct Hire
• Schedule: Full-Time, 40–50 hours per week, rarely exceeding 50 hours
• Reports To: Controller

Position Overview

The Payroll Manager will oversee payroll operations for a diverse employee population of approximately 1,900 employees.

This position combines payroll management, team leadership, financial reporting, job costing, and process improvement. The Payroll Manager will help maintain accurate and timely payroll processing while addressing tax, benefits, and compliance-related questions.

The role was created in response to company growth and the need for stronger leadership in payroll management, reporting, and ERP integration.

The Payroll Manager will also support improvements to payroll systems and processes, including the development of labor tracking and reporting capabilities within Epicor and preparation for a potential transition to Workday.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Operations

• Oversee accurate and timely payroll processing for approximately 1,900 employees.
• Address payroll-related tax, benefits, and compliance questions.
• Manage and support payroll team members in resolving day-to-day challenges.

Job Costing and Financial Reporting

• Lead job costing efforts and support the development of data systems within Epicor ERP.
• Improve labor tracking and analysis through ERP system development.
• Provide payroll-related reporting to support financial and operational decision-making.

Payroll Process Management and Improvement

• Collaborate with company leadership to review and improve payroll processes.
• Support preparation for a potential transition to Workday in 2026.
• Ensure payroll processes align with established best practices and regulatory requirements.

Team Leadership

• Lead a team of four payroll professionals.
• Develop, mentor, and guide payroll team members to achieve departmental goals.
• Promote accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the payroll department.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Management experience, including the ability to lead a team of three.
• Familiarity with payroll processing systems.
• Understanding of job costing and financial reporting principles.
• Experience managing payroll for a large workforce, ideally including permanent and temporary employees.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Experience with Paychex payroll software.
• Experience with Workday.

Work Schedule and Employment Details

This position is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and requires onsite attendance five days per week.

• Employment Type: Direct Hire
• Work Schedule: Full-Time
• Weekly Hours: 40–50 hours, rarely exceeding 50 hours

Team and Work Environment

The Payroll Manager will join a collaborative and supportive environment with a commitment to personal and professional growth.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to payroll system improvements and play an important role in the company’s operational success.

About STS Technical Services

STS Technical Services is a Top 100 Staffing Firm that partners with leading organizations across the aerospace, defense, manufacturing, and industrial sectors.

We connect skilled professionals with career opportunities throughout the United States.