Payroll Operations Manager

firstPRO 360; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

firstPRO 360 is seeking a seasoned Payroll Operations Manager to oversee end-to-end payroll for a multi-state workforce in Atlanta. You will drive accuracy, timeliness, and compliance, lead a payroll team, and partner with HR, Finance, Benefits, and Accounting to ensure data integrity and reporting.

The ideal candidate holds a CPP certification, 5+ years of payroll leadership, and 3+ years of Workday Payroll experience, with strong knowledge of multi-state tax laws and SOX controls.

Qualifications

• CPP certification is required.
• 3+ years of hands-on Workday Payroll experience is required.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership or supervisory responsibilities.
• Experience processing complex, multi-state payrolls for mid-sized to large organizations.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax laws and employment regulations.
• Experience with payroll reconciliations, payroll tax filings, and year-end processing.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full-cycle payroll process for multi-state, multi-entity payroll operations.
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing in compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
• Lead and develop the payroll team, providing coaching, performance management, and ongoing training.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for payroll policies, tax regulations, wage garnishments, benefits deductions, and payroll compliance.
• Utilize Workday Payroll to process payroll transactions, maintain employee payroll records, and troubleshoot system issues.
• Partner with HR, Finance, Benefits, and Accounting to ensure accurate employee data, general ledger reconciliation, and payroll reporting.
• Manage payroll audits, quarter-end and year-end activities, including W-2 processing and payroll tax reconciliations.
• Develop and implement process improvements to enhance payroll accuracy, efficiency, and internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with SOX and internal audit requirements, where applicable.
• Support Workday system enhancements, testing, upgrades, and payroll-related projects.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee payroll information and ensure adherence to company policies.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Excel

Payroll expertise

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/HR/Business Administration

Tools

Workday Payroll

Excel

Job description

The Payroll Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end payroll function, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing for a multi-state workforce. This role manages payroll operations, drives process improvements, maintains compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and partners closely with HR, Finance, and internal stakeholders. The ideal candidate is a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) with extensive experience utilizing Workday Payroll and strong leadership capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full-cycle payroll process for multi-state, multi-entity payroll operations.


• Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing in compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.


• Lead and develop the payroll team, providing coaching, performance management, and ongoing training.


• Serve as the subject matter expert for payroll policies, tax regulations, wage garnishments, benefits deductions, and payroll compliance.


• Utilize Workday Payroll to process payroll transactions, maintain employee payroll records, and troubleshoot system issues.


• Partner with HR, Finance, Benefits, and Accounting to ensure accurate employee data, general ledger reconciliation, and payroll reporting.


• Manage payroll audits, quarter-end and year-end activities, including W-2 processing and payroll tax reconciliations.


• Develop and implement process improvements to enhance payroll accuracy, efficiency, and internal controls.


• Ensure compliance with SOX and internal audit requirements, where applicable.


• Support Workday system enhancements, testing, upgrades, and payroll-related projects.


• Maintain confidentiality of employee payroll information and ensure adherence to company policies.

Required Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification is required.


• 3+ years of hands-on Workday Payroll experience is required.


• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).


• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership or supervisory responsibilities.


• Experience processing complex, multi-state payrolls for mid-sized to large organizations.


• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax laws and employment regulations.


• Experience with payroll reconciliations, payroll tax filings, and year-end processing.


• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.


• Excellent analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Workday implementations or optimization projects.


• Experience with payroll accounting and general ledger reconciliations.


• Knowledge of SOX compliance and internal controls.


• Experience in high-volume or shared services payroll environments.