Senior Manager, Payroll

PetSmart; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site dog park

Hybrid work model

PetSmart benefits

Job summary

PetSmart seeks an experienced Payroll Leader to manage the full-cycle payroll for North America, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. You will guide a team, oversee audits, and collaborate with vendors to deliver accurate payroll services.

This role requires 10+ years of payroll experience, CPP preferred, and strong data confidentiality and Excel skills. On-site with hybrid flexibility at the Phoenix Home Office, supporting a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of cumulative experience with U.S. and Canada hourly and salaried payroll processing in multi-state/multi-entity environments.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations and tax laws.
• Experience with payroll tax filings and reporting to appropriate agencies.
• 5+ years of people management experience.
• CPP certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintains confidentiality and data security for all payroll information.
• Manages full cycle payroll for North America, including tax reporting and remittance.
• Oversees payroll function to ensure accurate and timely delivery of services.
• Drives payroll process improvements and documentation as SME.
• Leads payroll testing for run‑the‑business and projects.
• Ensures audits and reconciliations align with policies and legal standards.
• Mentors and develops payroll staff.
• Manages external payroll vendors and partnerships.
• Defines scalable payroll processes with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensures SOX‑compliant controls and proper payroll records.

Skills

Payroll processing

U.S. payroll regulations

Multi-state payroll

Leadership

Excel

CPP certification

SAP

Data confidentiality

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or finance

Tools

SAP

Job description

About The Team

Our Human Resources team defies all conventional expectations and is a business‑connected solutions provider. The work we do directly aligns with the company’s core areas of focus, and we ensure that associates and leaders are ready to support those strategic objectives. Our HR team is comprised of different departments, including Talent Acquisition, HR business partners, Learning & Development, Compensation & Benefits, and Shared Services. We enable meaningful careers for all and build our Associate Workplace Experience!

About the Location

Collaborative Work Environment

At PetSmart, teamwork and connection are core to how we thrive. This role is based at our Phoenix Home Office, with an expectation of working a minimum of four days in the office each week. In a standard work week, associates may work up to one remote “flex day” (with leader approval). Our hybrid approach is designed to foster strong collaboration while also supporting flexibility and individual success.

About The Job

This role is crucial in managing payroll processes and ensuring compliance with the law and government regulations (e.g., OT, final pay, wage and hour).

Responsibilities

• Maintains exemplary confidentiality, sensitivity, and data security standards for all payroll‑related information
• Manages the full cycle payroll process for North America, including payroll tax reporting, compliance, and remittance
• Provides oversight and direction for the overall payroll function to ensure accurate and timely delivery of payroll services
• Drives best practices and process optimization as the subject matter expert in payroll projects, including documentation and improvements
• Drives and participates in payroll testing as part of run‑the‑business and projects
• Ensures internal and external audits and reconciliations align with policies, procedures, and legal standards
• Guides, coaches, mentors, and develops payroll staff
• Oversees and partners with external vendors involved in payroll processing
• Builds partnerships with internal and external payroll stakeholders to define and develop successful, scalable processes and practices
• Leads internal controls and documentation in accordance with SOX
• Ensures that payroll records and information are maintained in accordance with statutory requirements
• Provides excellent customer service and support to address pay‑related inquiries and concerns
• Stays up to date on payroll regulations, tax laws, and industry trends, implementing necessary changes to ensure compliance and best practices

Qualifications

• 10+ years of cumulative experience with U.S. and Canada hourly and salaried payroll processing in multi‑state and multi‑entity environments; additional countries a plus
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations and tax laws
• Experience with payroll tax filings and reporting to appropriate agencies
• 5+ years of people management experience
• Must have strong problem‑solving skills and be able to maintain absolute confidentiality
• Have exceptional attention to detail
• Thrives in working in a fast‑paced, time‑sensitive environment
• Strong communication skills
• CPP certification preferred
• Payroll processing system understanding, SAP preferred
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and other Microsoft Office products
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Proven experience in designing, implementing, and continuously optimizing payroll processes and internal controls
• Union dues processing preferred
• Commission‑based pay preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or finance

Additional Job Considerations

• This role requires collaboration, teamwork, and face‑to‑face interaction with colleagues, leaders, and/or clients.
• Being in the office ensures access to leaders, cross‑functional partners, and resources necessary to make timely decisions and drive results.
• On‑site presence in accordance with our FlexSmart policy supports our culture of innovation, mentorship, and engagement, which is integral to our success in developing the best team.
• This is not intended to be an all‑inclusive, exhaustive list of all essential job functions for this position. PetSmart retains the right to change or assign other required job duties to this position.

About The Culture

At PetSmart, we work hard to create a culture where every associate feels like they truly belong and we celebrate the unique stories, backgrounds, and experiences our associates share. These experiences not only bring new perspectives in shaping our Belonging culture but they’re core to PetSmart’s success.

Benefits

• Pet friendly environment, bring your pets to work!
• On‑site Dog Park
• "Top Dog" gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists and personal trainers
• "Sit & Stay" Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options
• On‑site coffee bar
• "Lil' Paws" learning center and onsite daycare facility (associate paid)
• Volunteer events with PetSmart Charities
• Learn more about here: https://www.lifeatpetsmart.com/life-at-petsmart/
• Check out Associate stories and share in some celebrations at PetSmart: https://www.blog.lifeatpetsmart.com/
• Explore PetSmart Benefits here: https://benefits.petsmart.com/
• If you don't already live in the Phoenix area here's a guide to the area: Welcome to Phoenix Guide

PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.