Payroll Manager

Connect Search, LLC; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Connect Search, LLC is seeking a hands-on Payroll & Accounts Payable Manager in Milwaukee to lead a small accounting team and oversee payroll operations. The role blends people leadership, technical accounting, and process improvement within a collaborative, mission-driven setting.

You will partner with finance leadership to strengthen systems, streamline workflows, and ensure accuracy and compliance across payroll and AP functions.

Qualifications

• 4+ years payroll experience, multi-state preferred.
• 2+ years leadership experience.
• Accounts payable experience preferred; payroll expertise prioritized.
• General ledger accounting experience; strong Excel skills.
• Experience with payroll/accounting software; UKG is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee payroll operations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead and develop a small team responsible for payroll and accounts payable.
• Manage payroll-related general ledger activity, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Provide oversight of accounts payable, vendor payments, and expense management.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through automation and system enhancements.
• Partner with finance, HR, and other departments to resolve issues and support business needs.
• Support month-end close, audits, and other accounting initiatives.
• Remain hands-on with payroll and AP processing as needed.

Skills

Payroll processing

Leadership

Accounts payable

General ledger

Analytical skills

Education

Associate's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Tools

UKG

Excel

Job description

Ready for a payroll leadership role with more variety, ownership, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact? We're partnering with a well-established organization seeking a hands‑on Payroll & Accounts Payable Manager to oversee payroll operations and lead a small accounting team. This role offers a great balance of people leadership, technical accounting, and process improvement, with the opportunity to strengthen systems, streamline workflows, and work closely with finance leadership. You'll join a collaborative, mission‑driven environment where your expertise and ideas can make a real difference.

Responsibilities

• Oversee payroll operations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with applicable regulations
• Lead and develop a small team responsible for payroll and accounts payable
• Manage payroll‐related general ledger activity, reconciliations, and reporting
• Provide oversight of accounts payable processes, vendor payments, and expense management
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through automation, system enhancements, and process improvements
• Partner with finance, HR, and other departments to resolve issues and support business needs
• Support month‑end close, audits, and other accounting initiatives
• Remain hands‑on with payroll and AP processing as needed

Qualifications

• 4+ years of payroll experience, ideally including multi‑state payroll processing
• 2+ years of leadership experience
• Accounts payable experience preferred, with payroll expertise being the priority
• General ledger accounting experience and strong Excel skills required
• Experience with payroll and accounting software; UKG experience is a significant plus
• Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field required; bachelor's preferred
• Strong analytical skills and a proactive, solutions‑oriented approach
• Comfortable leading a team while remaining involved in day‑to‑day operations