PAYROLL MANAGER

SM Staffing; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SM Staffing is seeking a Payroll Manager to oversee all payroll operations for a multi-site nonprofit. You will ensure accurate, timely payroll processing, maintain compliance with federal, state, and local wage and tax laws, and collaborate with HR and Finance to protect payroll integrity.

You will manage end-to-end payroll for salaried, hourly, and grant-funded staff, review tax filings and reports, and drive process improvements while upholding confidentiality and data accuracy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of payroll administration experience, preferably in a nonprofit or multi-site organization.
• Experience managing payroll for a workforce with multiple funding sources or grants strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and wage and hour requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for salaried, hourly, and grant-funded employees.
• Review and approve payroll registers, tax filings, and wage payments prior to submission.
• Maintain payroll calendars, including pay periods, deadlines, and year-end processing.
• Oversee payroll tax filings, W‑2s, 1099s, and other required reports.
• Collaborate with HR to ensure onboarding, offboarding, and employee status changes.
• Reconcile payroll accounts and coordinate with Finance on general ledger postings.
• Provide guidance on pay, deductions, benefits, and timekeeping policies.

Skills

Attention to detail

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical skills

MS Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

UKG Ready

Job description

The Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing and administering all aspects of payroll processing to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll for employees across the organization. This role ensures adherence to federal, state, and local wage and tax regulations, supports internal controls, and partners closely with Fiscal and HR to maintain payroll integrity within a complex nonprofit environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for salaried, hourly, and grant-funded employees.
• Ensure payroll is processed accurately and on schedule in compliance with all applicable laws and organizational policies.
• Review and approve payroll registers, tax filings, and wage payments prior to submission.
• Maintain payroll calendars, including pay periods, deadlines, and year-end processing.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws, including wage and hour regulations.
• Oversee payroll tax filings, W-2s, 1099s, and other required reports.
• Respond to payroll audits and coordinate with external auditors as needed.
• Monitor changes in payroll regulations and implement updates accordingly.
• Maintain payroll systems and employee records, ensuring confidentiality and data accuracy.
• Collaborate with HR to ensure accurate onboarding, offboarding, and employee status changes.
• Reconcile payroll accounts and work closely with Finance on general ledger postings.
• Support payroll system upgrades, testing, and process improvements.
• Serve as a point of contact for payroll-related inquiries from employees and managers.
• Resolve payroll discrepancies, adjustments, and corrections in a timely manner.
• Provide guidance on pay, deductions, benefits, and timekeeping policies.
• Develop and document payroll procedures and internal controls.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field required.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of payroll administration experience, preferably in a nonprofit or multi-site organization.
• Experience managing payroll for a workforce with multiple funding sources or grants strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and wage and hour requirements.
• Proficiency with payroll systems preferably UKG Ready.
• Bookkeeping experience is a plus.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and confidentiality.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrates strong ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional environment.
• Proficiency in MS Excel.
• Ability to sit for extended periods and work at a computer.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and electronically.
• Occasional flexibility to work extended hours during payroll processing and year-end reporting.