Payroll Manager

PKF O'Connor Davies; Woburn (MA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

PKF O’Connor Davies in the United States is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to oversee multi-state payroll operations. You will lead UKG Pro payroll processing, ensure tax compliance, and manage payroll staff across locations.

The role requires strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and the ability to partner with HR, Accounting, Benefits, and Operations to optimize payroll workflows. A CPP is preferred and a bachelor’s degree is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field.
• 5+ years payroll experience with management responsibilities.
• Extensive hands-on UKG Pro payroll processing experience.
• Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll tax compliance and wage/hour laws.
• CPP certification preferred.
• Experience managing payroll for large, multi-location organizations.
• Advanced proficiency with Excel and payroll reporting tools.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for multi-state employees using UKG Pro.
• Ensure payroll is processed accurately and on time per laws and policies.
• Oversee payroll audits, reconciliations, deductions, garnishments, benefits.
• Review contractor administration and payment processing.
• Lead, mentor, and develop payroll staff as applicable.

Skills

UKG Pro payroll

Payroll processing

Multi-state payroll tax compliance

Leadership

Excel

Analytical thinking

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field

Tools

UKG Pro

Job description

About PKF O’Connor Davies

PKF O’Connor Davies is a top-ranked accounting, tax, and advisory firm with offices across the U.S. and internationally through our PKF global network. For over a century, we have built our reputation on deep industry expertise, a personalized approach, and a commitment to delivering real value to our clients.

About PKF O’Connor Davies

PKF O’Connor Davies is a top-ranked accounting, tax, and advisory firm with offices across the U.S. and internationally through our PKF global network. For over a century, we have built our reputation on deep industry expertise, a personalized approach, and a commitment to delivering real value to our clients.

Our mission is to provide exceptional service while fostering long-term relationships built on trust and integrity. We serve a diverse client base across industries and sectors, helping organizations and individuals navigate complex challenges with confidence.

At PKF O’Connor Davies, culture is at the heart of who we are. We believe our team members are our greatest asset, and we invest in their growth and success through mentorship, professional development, and continuous learning opportunities. Our goal is to foster a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued, innovation is encouraged, and team members can make an impact. We are also committed to supporting work–life balance, offering flexibility and resources to help our team members grow their careers while maintaining fulfilling personal lives.

If you are looking for a career where you can grow, contribute, and be part of a firm that values both excellence and community, PKF O’Connor Davies is the place for you!

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Payroll Manager to oversee and manage all aspects of multi-state payroll operations for a growing organization. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in UKG Pro (formerly UltiPro), payroll tax compliance, and payroll administration across multiple states. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, compliance with federal and state regulations, system optimization, reporting, and leadership of payroll processes and staff.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Administration and Contractor Administration

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for multi-state employees using UKG Pro.
• Ensure payroll is processed accurately, timely, and in compliance with company policies and applicable laws.
• Oversee payroll audits, reconciliations, deductions, garnishments, benefits, and wage attachments.
• Review and validate payroll data including new hires, terminations, compensation changes, bonuses, and commissions.
• Review contractor administration and payment processing.

Tax & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations.
• Manage multi-state payroll tax registrations, withholding requirements, unemployment taxes, and reciprocity agreements.
• Coordinate payroll tax filings, amendments, year-end processing, and W-2 preparation.
• Monitor legislative changes affecting payroll practices and implement necessary updates.
• Support internal and external payroll audits and respond to tax notices.

UKG Pro Administration

• Serve as the subject matter expert for UKG Pro payroll functionality and payroll-related system processes.
• Partner with HRIS, HR, and Finance teams to optimize workflows, reporting, integrations, and system configurations.
• Troubleshoot payroll system issues and coordinate with UKG support as needed.
• Manage system upgrades, testing, and payroll process improvements.

Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare payroll reports, reconciliations, and labor cost analyses for leadership and Finance.
• Ensure payroll records are maintained accurately and securely.
• Develop and maintain payroll procedures and internal controls.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead, mentor, and develop payroll staff as applicable.
• Partner with HR, Accounting, Benefits, and Operations teams to ensure seamless payroll operations.
• Provide exceptional customer service to employees regarding payroll inquiries and issues.

Qualifications

• Must be able to work in the office a minimum of 3 days per week.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including management responsibilities.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with UKG Pro payroll processing and administration.
• Strong knowledge of multi‑state payroll tax compliance and wage/hour laws.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification preferred.
• Experience managing and processing payroll for large, multi‑location organizations preferred.
• Strong understanding of payroll accounting and reconciliations.
• Advanced proficiency with Excel and payroll reporting tools.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with payroll audits and internal control environments.
• Familiarity with HRIS integrations and time‑keeping systems.
• Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, or multi‑entity payroll environments.
• Experience with Public Accounting or other professional services firm.

Key Competencies

• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Compliance orientation
• Leadership and team collaboration
• Process improvement mindset
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Ability to manage deadlines in a fast‑paced environment

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $100,000-$120,000. Compensation will be dependent upon the specific role, office location as well as the individual’s qualifications, experience, skills, and certifications.

At PKFOD, we value our team members and are committed to their success and well‑being. As part of our comprehensive benefits and compensation package, we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
• Basic Life, AD&D, and Voluntary Life Insurance
• 401(k) plan and Profit‑Sharing program
• Flexible Spending & Health Saving accounts
• Employee Assistance, Wellness, and Work‑life programs
• Commuter & Parking benefits programs
• Inclusive Parental Leave Benefits
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Firm Holidays
• Community & Volunteering programs
• Recognition & Rewards programs
• Training & Certification programs
• Discretionary Performance Bonus
• Eligibility for benefits is determined based on position, hours worked, and other criteria. Specific details will be provided during the hiring process.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship now or in the future.

PKFOD is an equal opportunity employer. The Firm is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all persons in connection with hiring, assignment, promotion, compensation or other conditions of the employment relationship regardless of race, color, age, sex, marital status, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, philosophy/religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, political affiliation or belief, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

To all staffing agencies: PKF O'Connor Davies Advisory, LLP (“PKFOD”) will not be utilizing agencies to staff this position. Please do not forward resumes to PKFOD partners and/or employees at any of our locations regarding this position. Any recruiter who would like to partner with PKFOD on other positions must have an updated contractual agreement with PKFOD through the Director of Talent Acquisition. Please be reminded, PKFOD is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. All unsolicited resumes will become the property of PKFOD.