Payroll Manager

LHH; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement plan with employer match

Paid time off and paid holidays

Job summary

LHH is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager in Portland, Oregon, to lead all payroll operations for a complex, high-volume organization. The successful candidate will manage payroll processes while ensuring compliance with all federal and state regulations, support internal stakeholders, and lead a payroll team focused on accuracy and service excellence.

Qualifications include at least 5 years of payroll management experience, strong leadership skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent. A Bachelor's degree and Certified Payroll Professional experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience managing a high-volume, weekly payroll.
• Proven experience leading and developing payroll staff.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage payroll operations ensuring timely processing.
• Hire, develop, and evaluate payroll team members.
• Ensure accuracy of time reporting, wages, and compliance.

Skills

Payroll management

Leadership

Compliance knowledge

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in Business or Accounting

Tools

Microsoft Office

Payroll systems

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead and oversee all payroll operations for a complex, high-volume organization. This role is responsible for managing payroll processes, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, supporting internal stakeholders, and leading a payroll team with a strong focus on accuracy, service excellence, and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate brings deep payroll expertise, strong leadership skills, and experience navigating union and construction-related payroll environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the payroll function, ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing
• Hire, develop, coach, and evaluate payroll team members, including performance management and professional development
• Review payroll prior to processing to ensure accuracy of time reporting, wages, fringes, and regulatory compliance
• Oversee certified payroll reporting for internal teams, subcontractors, and government entities
• Maintain and manage pay rate tables for public and private projects, including prevailing wage and union pay structures
• Ensure accurate and timely union trust reporting and support annual audit activities
• Serve as a subject matter expert on wage and hour laws, labor agreements, and payroll compliance
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries and resolve discrepancies with professionalism and discretion
• Partner with accounting and finance teams to ensure payroll-related financial data is accurately recorded
• Support internal and external audits, including documentation and control compliance
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, systems, and service delivery
• Maintain strict confidentiality of employee payroll information and assess ongoing risk factors
• Communicate payroll-related regulatory or procedural changes to stakeholders and assist with training materials
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• At least 5 years of experience managing a high-volume, weekly payroll
• Proven experience leading and developing payroll staff
• Strong attention to detail and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High ethical standards with the ability to manage confidential information
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and payroll systems
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, or a related field
• Certified Payroll Professional experience strongly preferred
• Experience with multi-union payrolls, particularly in construction or similar industries
• Familiarity with enterprise payroll and timekeeping systems
• Experience managing multiple competing priorities across diverse internal customers

Core Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of multi-state payroll regulations and labor laws
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
• Customer-focused mindset with the ability to build strong internal relationships
• Ability to manage deadlines and multiple priorities simultaneously
• Commitment to compliance, accuracy, and continuous improvement
• Full-time, on-site position
• Competitive benefits package including:
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Health savings and flexible spending accounts
• Retirement plan with employer match and profit sharing
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Life insurance and employee assistance program
• Service recognition programs

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.lhh.com/us/en/candidate-privacy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

California Fair Chance Act

Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers