Senior Manager, Payroll

Komatsu; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Komatsu in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is seeking a Senior Manager, Payroll to lead the payroll team and oversee operations for a multi-state workforce. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of experience in payroll, ensuring compliance and operational excellence in payroll processing.

The role focuses on innovative payroll solutions, partnering with various departments to strengthen internal controls and meet evolving business needs.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive payroll experience with leadership responsibilities.
• Expert knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws and tax compliance.
• Experience managing payroll for a large, multi-state organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead payroll team for timely, accurate payroll processing.
• Develop strategies to improve efficiency and support growth.
• Ensure compliance with payroll tax regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or related field

Tools

UKG Pro (UltiPro)

Job description

Job Overview

The Senior Manager, Payroll leads the payroll team and oversees payroll operations for a large, multi-state workforce, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and operational excellence. This role plays a critical part in payroll and tax compliance risk mitigation, audit readiness, and driving process innovation to support the company's continued growth and scalability. As a trusted payroll subject matter expert, the Senior Manager leads high-impact initiatives including payroll system implementations and integrations, tax compliance initiatives, process redesign, and policy governance. Working collaboratively across Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Legal, and external partners, this leader develops scalable payroll solutions, strengthens internal controls, and ensures payroll operations align with evolving business needs and regulatory requirements.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop the payroll team responsible for timely and accurate multi-state payroll processing.
• Develop and execute payroll strategies that improve efficiency, automate processes, and support business growth.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations while maintaining strong internal controls and audit readiness.
• Partner with HR, Finance, Accounting, Legal, and business leaders to align payroll operations with organizational priorities.
• Manage relationships with third‑party payroll providers, tax agencies, and system vendors to ensure exceptional service and compliance.
• Lead payroll system implementations, upgrades, integrations, and process improvement initiatives across payroll, HRIS, timekeeping, and financial systems.
• Oversee the accurate administration of complex payroll transactions, including bonuses, commissions, equity payments, retroactive pay, garnishments, and leave programs.
• Monitor changes in payroll legislation and implement compliant policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Develop payroll metrics, reporting, and executive dashboards that provide actionable business insights.
• Serve as the escalation point for complex payroll issues and lead special HR and payroll projects as needed.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership and team management responsibilities.
• Experience managing payroll operations for a large, multi-state organization.
• Expertise with UKG Pro (UltiPro) or a comparable enterprise payroll platform; payroll system implementation experience is strongly preferred.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation is strongly preferred.
• Expert knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws, tax compliance, and reporting requirements.
• Strong leadership, analytical, and problem‑solving skills with a track record of driving continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills with the ability to influence stakeholders across the organization.
• Ability to manage confidential information with professionalism and integrity.
• Experience leading cross‑functional projects and implementing scalable payroll processes.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% as needed.

Diversity & Inclusion Commitment

At Komatsu we come from diverse backgrounds, with unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions. We are committed to creating a workforce that is reflective of the communities we work and live in. We believe that our people are part of our shared purpose. We are authentic, ambitious, and innovative in our pursuit of Diversity & Inclusion. United, we are on a journey towards a sustainable future that creates value together.

Company Information

Komatsu is a world leader in manufacturing construction, mining, forestry, and industrial heavy equipment. Founded in 1921, Komatsu has a long history of quality, reliability, innovation, and excellence. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Komatsu facilities, distributors and dealers are in more than 140 countries and employ more than 60,000 people. Komatsu offers a diverse and challenging work environment, where you can grow your skills and career, and contribute to a sustainable, clean‑energy future. If you want to learn more about Komatsu, visit https://www.komatsu.com/.

Location

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA