Senior Manager, Payroll - Managed HR Services

Baker Tilly US; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 63,000 - 221,000; Full time

Job summary

Baker Tilly US, LLP in Philadelphia seeks a Payroll Consulting Senior Manager to lead complex payroll engagements, advise clients, and grow the payroll consulting practice. This role combines deep payroll expertise with leadership responsibilities and mentoring for the team.

You will partner with clients to assess payroll operations, ensure compliance, improve processes, and implement solutions that enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• CPP certification required.
• 8+ years of progressive payroll experience.
• People management experience.
• Strong knowledge of payroll operations and multi-state compliance.
• Experience planning and leading payroll strategy.
• Experience leading complex payroll projects and managing client relationships.
• Experience with multiple payroll platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead payroll consulting engagements including process assessments and tax analysis.
• Support business development and proposal development.
• Serve as SME on payroll regulations, multi-state compliance and best practices.
• Manage multiple client engagements ensuring high-quality deliverables.
• Mentor and coach payroll consultants and managers.
• Support payroll process improvements and technology optimization initiatives.
• Develop strong client relationships and act as escalation point for complex payroll matters.
• Partner with firm leadership to support practice growth and service innovation.

Skills

Payroll operations knowledge

Multi-state payroll compliance

Client relationship management

Project leadership

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Consulting/PS/outsourced payroll exp

Experience with payroll platforms

Education

Bachelor's degree

CPP Certification

Tools

ADP/Workday/Payroll systems

Job description

Overview

Baker Tilly is a leading advisory, tax and assurance firm, providing clients with a genuine coast-to-coast and global advantage in major regions of the U.S. and in many of the world's leading financial centers - New York, London, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Boston. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and Baker Tilly US, LLP (Baker Tilly) provide professional services through an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable laws, regulations and professional standards. Baker Tilly US, LLP is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides attest services to its clients. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and its subsidiary entities provide tax and business advisory services to their clients. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and its subsidiary entities are not licensed CPA firms.

Overview

Baker Tilly is a leading advisory, tax and assurance firm, providing clients with a genuine coast-to-coast and global advantage in major regions of the U.S. and in many of the world's leading financial centers - New York, London, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Boston. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and Baker Tilly US, LLP (Baker Tilly) provide professional services through an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable laws, regulations and professional standards. Baker Tilly US, LLP is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides attest services to its clients. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and its subsidiary entities provide tax and business advisory services to their clients. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and its subsidiary entities are not licensed CPA firms.

Overview

Baker Tilly is a leading advisory, tax and assurance firm, providing clients with a genuine coast-to-coast and global advantage in major regions of the U.S. and in many of the world's leading financial centers - New York, London, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Boston. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and Baker Tilly US, LLP (Baker Tilly) provide professional services through an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable laws, regulations and professional standards. Baker Tilly US, LLP is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides attest services to its clients. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and its subsidiary entities provide tax and business advisory services to their clients. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and its subsidiary entities are not licensed CPA firms. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and Baker Tilly US, LLP, trading as Baker Tilly, are independent members of Baker Tilly International, a worldwide network of independent accounting and business advisory firms in 141 territories, with 43,000 professionals and a combined worldwide revenue of $5.2 billion.

Baker Tilly is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable federal, state or local law.

Job Description

The Payroll Consulting Senior Manager is responsible for leading complex payroll consulting engagements, serving as a trusted advisor to clients, and supporting the growth of the payroll consulting practice. This role combines deep technical payroll expertise with leadership responsibilities, including mentoring team members, overseeing client deliverables, and driving operational excellence. The Senior Manager will partner with clients to assess payroll operations, ensure compliance, improve processes, and implement solutions that enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead payroll consulting engagements, including payroll process assessments, compliance reviews, payroll tax analysis, and operational improvements.
• Contribute to business development activities, including identifying opportunities for additional services and supporting proposal development.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on payroll regulations, multi-state payroll compliance, payroll tax requirements, and payroll best practices.
• Manage multiple client engagements simultaneously, ensuring quality deliverables and exceptional client service.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and mentorship to payroll consultants and managers.
• Support payroll, process improvements and technology optimization initiatives.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, serving as a trusted advisor and escalation point for complex payroll matters.
• Partner with firm leadership to support practice growth, operational efficiency, and service innovation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification required
• Eight (8) or more years of progressive payroll experience required
• People management experience
• Strong knowledge of payroll operations, payroll tax regulations, and multi-state compliance requirements
• Experience planning and leading payroll strategy
• Experience leading complex payroll projects and managing client relationships
• Excellent communication, analytical, balancing multiple priorities and problem-solving skills
• Experience in a consulting, professional services, or outsourced payroll environment
• Experience with multiple payroll platforms

Attributes for Success

• Strategic yet hands-on approach to problem solving
• Strong client service and relationship management skills
• Ability to lead multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Commitment to quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement

The pay rate range for this job position is $63,300 to $220,830. Actual compensation is influenced by a variety of relevant factors including but not limited to applicant’s skills, prior experience, qualifications, degrees, professional certifications, work arrangements and geographic location. Baker Tilly offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package to eligible employees.