Payroll Manager

Russell Investments; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Retirement benefits

Vacation

Wellbeing programs

Job summary

Russell Investments in Seattle, WA is seeking a Payroll Manager to lead US and Canada payroll operations within a global team. You will ensure accurate processing, tax compliance, and timely delivery while partnering with HR, Finance, Legal, and external vendors.

Responsibilities include end-to-end payroll processing, audits, data integrity, and driving improvements in the payroll program to support the company’s total rewards strategy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, business administration, finance, or related field.
• 5+ years of global payroll experience in US and Canada.
• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations and tax compliance.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a matrixed organization and with external vendors.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end semi-monthly US and Canada payroll processes.
• Handle payroll queries, audits, and compliance reporting.
• Coordinate with Global HR, Finance, and Legal, and external vendors.
• Support system upgrades and process improvements.
• Assist with year-end payroll close and audits.

Skills

Global payroll experience

US & Canada payroll knowledge

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Integrity & confidentiality

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR, business administration, finance, or related field

Tools

ADP Workforce Now

ADP Streamline

Workday

Job description

Salary Range: $125,000 USD - $150,000 USD Specific compensation will be based on candidate’s experience, skills, qualifications, commercial considerations, and other job-related factors permitted by law. At Russell Investments, salary is just one part of our compensation package. Our total rewards approach includes an annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility criteria) in addition to participation in our competitive benefits programs including healthcare, retirement, vacation, and wellbeing programs.

Job Description

The Payroll Manager is a critical contributor to the success of Russell Investments’ Global Payroll team. This position is responsible for managing and processingthe US and Canada payrolls. This role requires a highly analytical and detail-oriented professional with a strong work ethic, capable of driving excellence in Global Payroll. This individual is comfortable working in a matrixed organization and collaborating with multiple leaders to ensure cohesive and effective program management. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Global Payroll, the Payroll Manager will collaborate with key internal stakeholders – including Global HR, Finance, and Legal – and external vendors to ensure compliance and seamless delivery of Payroll. This individual will manage a variety of responsibilities including processing payroll, addressing payroll queries, managing payroll compliance and providing exceptional customer service. This role is ideal for someone eager to not only support and enhance existing programs but also to innovate and shape the future of work within our team. The successful candidate will bring expertise, fresh perspectives, and a commitment to building a best-in-class Payroll structure that aligns with Russell Investments’ global priorities.

Location

Seattle, WA

Responsibilities

Processing full function Semi-Monthly payroll from start to finish. This includes, but is not limited to terminations, leaves, redundancies, new starters, ad-hoc changes, Payroll Tax, pensions and other benefits, role changes, reconciling pay runs, facilitate payroll fundings, and month/year end reporting. Processing equity transactions and payments related to Long-Term Incentive (LTI) programs, as well as special incentives and other ad-hoc incentive payments, ensuring accurate payroll treatment, tax compliance, and timely processing. Conduct regular payroll audits and ensuring compliance with statutory laws & tax regulations. Ensure data integrity and provide support for implementing system upgrades and enhancements. Monitor and resolve payroll discrepancies, investigating and resolving issues promptly and accurately. Generate payroll reports, including tax filings, benefits deductions, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Address employee inquiries and concerns related to payroll, providing exceptional service and support. Stay updated on payroll regulations, tax laws and industry trends, implementing necessary changes to ensure compliance and best practices. Work with the Global HR Team on projects related to efficiency and process improvements. Work with finance to carry out all payroll related activities regarding month end and year end close. Coordinate with internal and external audit for the annual payroll audit. General administration duties related to payroll services. Support with international assignments and complex issues like redundancies, Shadow Payroll and foreign income tax reporting. Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement effective changes to enhance efficiency and accuracy. Administer accurate file management of all Associate and company records to meet the compliance requirements of legal and statutory regulations. Global payroll supportas needed.

Competencies

5 to 7 years global payroll experience in the US and Canada. Bachelor’s degree in HR, business administration, finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience. Comprehensive experience managing payroll across multiple states. Eagerness to improve processes and create a more valuable, impactful Payroll program. Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively at all levels of the organization and with external partners. Strong integrity, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality. Excellent organizational, time management, and analytical skills, with keen attention to detail. Proficiency in HRIS systems, preferably ADP Workforce Now, ADP Streamline and Workday. Strong problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to manage competing priorities. Proven track record with high volume and complex payroll processing. Experience working in a Global environment processing pay in multiple countries would be advantageous Sound and up to date knowledge of payroll and general HR practices, procedures and legislation Experience with month & year end reporting, reconciliations & payments. Advanced Microsoft Excel and Word skills. This role is not eligible for employment-based immigration sponsorship. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship, now or in the future.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Russell Investments is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all associates and employment applicants regardless of race, religion, ancestry, creed, color, gender (including gender identity which refers to a person's actual or perceived sex, and includes self-image, appearance, behavior or expression, whether or not different from that traditionally associated with a person's biological sex), age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, past or present unemployment status , or any other characteristic protected by law. Russell Investments is a leading global investment solutions partner providing a wide range of investment capabilities to institutional investors, financial intermediaries, and individual investors around the world. Since 1936, Russell Investments has been building a legacy of continuous innovation to deliver exceptional value to clients, working every day to improve people’s financial security. The firm has $381 billion in assets under management (as of 3/31/2026) for clients in 30 countries. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Russell Investments has offices in 17 cities around the world. Russell Investments' ownership is composed of a majority stake held by funds managed by TA Associates Management, L.P., with a significant minority stake held by funds managed by Reverence Capital Partners, L.P. Certain of Russell Investments' employees and Hamilton Lane Advisors, LLC also hold minority, non-controlling, ownership stakes.