Senior Manager, Payroll

MRA-The Management Association; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Komatsu is seeking a Senior Manager of Payroll to lead a large multi-state payroll operation from Milwaukee. The role oversees accuracy, compliance, and process improvements, partnering across HR, Finance, Accounting, Legal, and external providers to scale payroll capabilities.

The successful candidate will drive system implementations, ensure tax compliance, and develop scalable payroll solutions with strong internal controls. Travel up to 10% may be required.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive payroll experience with leadership responsibilities.
• Experience managing payroll operations for a large multi-state organization.
• Expert knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws and tax reporting.
• Experience with UKG Pro (UltiPro) or similar enterprise payroll platforms; system implementations preferred.
• CPP designation is strongly preferred.
• Willingness to travel up to 10%.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop the payroll team for timely, accurate multi-state payroll processing.
• Develop and execute payroll strategies to improve efficiency and automate processes.
• Ensure compliance with payroll tax regulations and maintain strong internal controls.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, Accounting, Legal, and partners to align payroll with priorities.
• Manage relationships with third-party providers, tax agencies, and vendors for service and compliance.
• Lead payroll system implementations, upgrades, and integrations across related systems.
• Oversee complex payroll transactions including bonuses, equity payments, retroactive pay, and garnishments.
• Monitor payroll legislation and implement compliant policies and practices.
• Develop payroll metrics, reporting, and executive dashboards for insights.
• Serve as escalation point for complex payroll issues and lead special projects.

Skills

Payroll leadership

Cross-state payroll

Strategic payroll planning

Leadership & team management

Regulatory knowledge

Education

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

CPP designation (preferred)

Tools

UKG Pro (UltiPro)

Job description

Senior Manager, Payroll
Komatsu (An MRA Member)
Milwaukee, WI Onsite

Join Komatsu and Be Part of Something Big!

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.