Payroll Manager

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU); Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 78,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority in North Carolina is seeking a Payroll Manager/HRIS System Administrator to oversee biweekly payroll, ensure compliance, and optimize UKG-based processes across the organization.

You will lead payroll staff, partner with HR and Finance, develop reports, maintain controls and support audits while driving efficiency and data accuracy in a dynamic airport environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in accounting, finance or equivalent experience.
• 5 years of payroll processing and HRIS experience required.
• 2 years of direct people management experience.
• CPP certification or ability to obtain within 1 year is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead biweekly payroll processing and related cycles for on-time, accurate pay.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and filings.
• Serve as UKG Payroll and HRIS System Administrator (security, configuration, workflows).
• Manage UKG modules and integrate payroll with benefits and compensation processes.
• Develop UKG BI reports and dashboards for accurate data analysis.
• Maintain payroll controls, support audits, and mitigate risk.
• Supervise payroll staff and provide guidance and training.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and other departments on payroll/HRIS needs.
• Provide ongoing training and support to employees and managers.

Skills

Payroll processing

HRIS administration

UKG platform

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or equivalent

Tools

UKG HRIS

UKG BI reports

Job description

About us:

Welcome to the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, where we operate RDU International Airport, a vital hub connecting North Carolina to the world. In 2024, our teamwork helped us serve 15.5 million passengers, generate a $24.1 billion economic impact, and our dedication to excellence has been recognized with a Top Five passenger satisfaction ranking in North America. We're a tight-knit team of over 400 employees where accountability and collaboration are our guiding principles, and safety is our top priority. Whether your role is indoors or outdoors, you'll be part of a supportive environment that values your contributions. We believe in investing in our people, offering competitive benefits and professional development to help your career take flight.

About us:

Welcome to the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, where we operate RDU International Airport, a vital hub connecting North Carolina to the world. In 2024, our teamwork helped us serve 15.5 million passengers, generate a $24.1 billion economic impact, and our dedication to excellence has been recognized with a Top Five passenger satisfaction ranking in North America. We're a tight-knit team of over 400 employees where accountability and collaboration are our guiding principles, and safety is our top priority. Whether your role is indoors or outdoors, you'll be part of a supportive environment that values your contributions. We believe in investing in our people, offering competitive benefits and professional development to help your career take flight.

About you:

You embody core values that will play a pivotal role in connecting our community to places and the people who matter most. Your commitment to continuous learning will drive innovation and growth, while your unwavering integrity ensures that our brand remains trustworthy and reputable. Your respect for colleagues and clients alike fosters a collaborative and positive environment. Your dedication to excellence in every task you undertake will elevate our brand’s standards. Lastly, your team spirit will unite our efforts and amplify our collective success.

About the Role:

Are you ready to take your payroll career to new heights? As RDU’s Payroll Manager, you’ll play a key role in keeping our payroll operations running smoothly and on schedule, ensuring employees are paid accurately, on time, and in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. You’ll lead day-to-day payroll operations while identifying opportunities to improve processes, strengthen internal controls, and create efficiencies that keep our payroll systems cleared for takeoff.

As our Payroll Manager and HRIS System Administrator, you’ll be the go-to expert for system configuration, security, workflows, and data accuracy. Working closely with Human Resources, Finance, and teams across the Airport Authority, you’ll provide valuable insights, support reporting and audits, and help drive improvements that make a difference. If you enjoy solving problems, improving systems, and being part of a collaborative team, your next career destination could be RDU!

Compensation:

• Maximum – Based on experience
• Minimum - $ 86,439

What You’ll Do:

• Lead and oversee all aspects of biweekly payroll processing, including monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll activities, ensuring accuracy and timely completion.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws, tax regulations, reporting requirements, and year-end filings, including W-2s and 1095-Cs.
• Serve as the primary UKG Payroll and HRIS System Administrator, overseeing system configuration, security, workflows, data integrity, and overall functionality.
• Manage and support UKG modules, including Payroll, Time Management, Benefits, Talent Management, and Recruiting/Onboarding, ensuring effective system performance and integration.
• Identify and implement opportunities to streamline payroll and HRIS processes, improve efficiency, automate workflows, and enhance system capabilities.
• Develop and maintain UKG Business Intelligence reports, dashboards, and automated alerts to support accurate reporting, data analysis, and informed decision-making.
• Establish and maintain payroll controls, resolve discrepancies, and support internal and external audits to ensure accuracy, compliance, and risk mitigation.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop payroll staff, providing guidance, training, and oversight to ensure consistent and efficient payroll operations.
• Partner with Human Resources, Finance, and other departments to address payroll and HRIS needs, resolve issues, and ensure alignment across payroll, benefits, and compensation processes.
• Serve as the organization's payroll and HRIS subject-matter expert, providing training, troubleshooting, and ongoing support to employees, managers, and HR staff.

What You Need:

Education:

Required:

• Bachelor degree in accounting, finance OR equivalent years of related years of experience

Experience:

Required:

• 5 years of payroll processing and HRIS experience
• 2 years of direct people management experience

Preferred:

• 7 years of payroll processing and HRIS experience
• 4 years of direct people management experience
• Experience with UKG or a similar HRIS

Licenses or Certifications:

Required:

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) Certification required or ability to obtain within 1 year of start date.