Senior Payroll Manager – Multi-State, Process Automation

NLR; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 181,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Pension Benefits

403(b) Employer Match

Paid Time Off

Job summary

National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) in Golden, CO seeks a Payroll Manager to lead multi-state payroll operations and ensure compliant, timely processing. The role partners with HR, Finance, IT, vendors and leadership to deliver efficient payroll services.

The ideal candidate will oversee payroll staff, improve processes, and ensure GAAP and DOE contractual requirements are met, with strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Degree in appropriate field is required.
• Previous management and budget adherence experience may be required.
• Excellent organization, project management, budgeting, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field with 14+ years payroll experience.
• Experience with multi-state payroll, compliance, tax reporting, audits, and payroll system administration.
• Proficiency with payroll and HRIS platforms, Excel; Workday Payroll/Timekeeping or similar enterprise system.

Responsibilities

• Direct accurate, timely multi-state payroll processing and ensure compliance with tax filings, W-2s, statutory reporting, registrations, and organizational requirements.
• Supervise payroll staff and develop a culture of accountability and service.
• Strengthen payroll processes, systems, automation, policies, and controls through analysis and improvements.
• Oversee payroll accounting including journal entries, accruals, GL activity, reconciliations, close support and variance analysis.
• Coordinate payroll-related audits and maintain supporting documentation.

Skills

People leadership

Staff development

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/related field

Tools

Workday Payroll and Timekeeping

Job description

National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) in Golden, CO seeks a Payroll Manager to lead multi-state payroll operations and ensure compliant, timely processing. The role partners with HR, Finance, IT, vendors and leadership to deliver efficient payroll services.

The ideal candidate will oversee payroll staff, improve processes, and ensure GAAP and DOE contractual requirements are met, with strong leadership and communication skills.