Senior Payroll Leader: Multi-State Ops & Systems

Roguesearch; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Roguesearch is seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Manager to lead and optimize payroll operations across multiple states and business units. You will manage a diverse payroll team, drive system enhancements, and ensure regulatory compliance in a complex environment.

You will oversee multi-frequency payrolls, coach staff, and partner with Finance, HR, and Operations to strengthen controls and processes while supporting organizational growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive payroll experience, including multi-state payroll administration.
• 5+ years of payroll management or leadership experience.
• Strong experience managing complex payroll operations across multiple entities, jurisdictions, and employee classifications.
• Experience administering union payroll and collective bargaining agreements strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with payroll systems, ideally ADP, including implementations, integrations, or process improvements.
• Strong understanding of payroll taxation, regulatory compliance, payroll accounting, and internal controls.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop payroll teams.
• Excellent communication, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• CPP designation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee payroll operations across multiple business units, states, and employee populations.
• Manage complex payroll structures involving multiple pay frequencies, union and nonunion employees, and varying compensation arrangements.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and development to payroll professionals across multiple locations.
• Drive payroll system enhancements, integrations, automation, and process improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including tax reporting, wage and hour requirements, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Collaborate with Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, and operational leadership to resolve payroll issues and maintain effective internal controls.
• Oversee payroll reconciliations, reporting, general ledger integrations, and year-end payroll activities.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, strengthen payroll procedures, and support continued organizational growth.

Skills

Multi-state payroll

Leadership & coaching

Process improvement

Regulatory compliance

Payroll systems (ADP)

Internal controls

Communication & problem-solving

Union payroll handling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

CPP designation preferred

Tools

ADP

Job description

Roguesearch is seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Manager to lead and optimize payroll operations across multiple states and business units. You will manage a diverse payroll team, drive system enhancements, and ensure regulatory compliance in a complex environment.

You will oversee multi-frequency payrolls, coach staff, and partner with Finance, HR, and Operations to strengthen controls and processes while supporting organizational growth.