Payroll Operations Lead — Multi-State & Compliance

Mariner Finance; Alabama; On-site; USD 94,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

Mariner Finance is seeking an experienced Payroll leader to manage the end-to-end payroll function across multiple states, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing for a large workforce. The role collaborates with HR, Finance, and external vendors to optimize payroll operations and reporting.

The ideal candidate brings 6+ years in high-volume payroll, strong compliance knowledge, and proven leadership to drive process improvements and ensure audit readiness within a regulated

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Finance, Accounting, or related field (or 4 years of substitution).
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive payroll experience.
• Experience processing multi-state payroll for large workforce (1,500+).
• Hands-on leadership of payroll operations and team development.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws and tax regulations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and payroll systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end payroll function for biweekly multi-state processing.
• Own payroll operations, including calculations, balancing, approvals, and confirmations.
• Administer and maintain payroll systems, testing, upgrades, and issue resolution.
• Develop and improve payroll processes and internal controls.
• Audit payroll transactions and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable payroll regulations.
• Communicate regulatory changes and business impacts to leadership.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, Legal, and vendor partners to advance payroll initiatives.
• Lead payroll-related audits and year-end activities like W-2 processing and ACA filings.

Skills

Payroll leadership

Multi-state payroll

Regulatory compliance

Audits

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Finance

Tools

Dayforce

UKG

Job description

Mariner Finance is seeking an experienced Payroll leader to manage the end-to-end payroll function across multiple states, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing for a large workforce. The role collaborates with HR, Finance, and external vendors to optimize payroll operations and reporting.

The ideal candidate brings 6+ years in high-volume payroll, strong compliance knowledge, and proven leadership to drive process improvements and ensure audit readiness within a regulated