Senior Manager, Payroll - Multi-State Compliance

MRA Recruiting Services; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Komatsu, a world leader in heavy equipment, seeks a Senior Manager, Payroll in Milwaukee to lead the payroll team across multiple states and ensure accurate, compliant processes. You will oversee system integrations, tax compliance, and internal controls while partnering with HR, Finance, Legal, and external providers.

You will drive process improvements, develop scalable payroll solutions, and mentor a high-performing team. Travel up to 10% may be required as business needs evolve.

Qualifications

• 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.

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

Skills

Leadership

Payroll management

UKG Pro / UltiPro

Compliance

Communication

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business

Tools

UKG Pro (UltiPro)

Job description

Komatsu, a world leader in heavy equipment, seeks a Senior Manager, Payroll in Milwaukee to lead the payroll team across multiple states and ensure accurate, compliant processes. You will oversee system integrations, tax compliance, and internal controls while partnering with HR, Finance, Legal, and external providers.

You will drive process improvements, develop scalable payroll solutions, and mentor a high-performing team. Travel up to 10% may be required as business needs evolve.