Sr Payroll Manager (930955)

Equus; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Equus is seeking a Senior Payroll Manager to oversee payroll operations across multiple states, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely processing. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of payroll experience, expertise in payroll systems like ADP, and project management skills. This role involves managing payroll projects, ensuring legal compliance, and serving as a strategic partner to HR and Finance. Join us in making a positive impact on those we serve in the community.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including multi-state payrolls.
• Hands-on expertise with payroll systems like ADP, Ceridian, UKG.
• Experience with payroll implementations and system configuration.

Responsibilities

• Oversee full-cycle payroll processing for multiple states and payroll schedules.
• Ensure compliance with wage-and-hour laws, tax regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Manage payroll-related projects, collaborating with HR, Finance, and IT.

Skills

Payroll systems expertise (e.g., ADP, Ceridian, UKG)

Project management

Strong payroll compliance knowledge

Advanced Excel skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, HR, or related field

Job description

We are a purpose-driven organization where support teams directly impact our ability to change the lives of the people and communities we serve. Throughout our US network and global family, our services span workforce and employment, education and training, health, and community support. Equus Workforce Solutions is a member of the APM Group, a global network focused on enhancing a person’s health and wellbeing, independence, and employability.

Job Description

The Senior Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing end-to-end payroll operations for a multi-state, multi-entity organization, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness of payroll processing. This role serves as the subject‑matter expert for the Payroll system, leading payroll implementations, system configurations, integrations, and ongoing enhancements. The position also carries project management responsibility for payroll‑related initiatives, including acquisitions, system upgrades, and process improvements.

Payroll Operations & Compliance

• Oversee and manage full‑cycle payroll processing for salaried, hourly, exempt, and non‑exempt employees across multiple states and payroll schedules.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage‑and‑hour laws, tax regulations, garnishments, and reporting requirements.
• Review and approve payroll audits, variance analyses, off‑cycle payrolls, and year‑end activities (W‑2s, corrections, amendments).
• Establish, document, and enforce payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Serve as the escalation point for complex payroll issues, including retroactive pay, corrections, tax discrepancies, and regulatory inquiries.

Payroll System Ownership

• Act as the functional owner of the Payroll system, including payroll, tax, time & attendance, and integrations.
• Lead system configuration and maintenance, including pay codes, earnings and deductions, tax setup, workflows, approvals, and security roles.
• Partner with the Payroll system vendor and internal stakeholders to troubleshoot issues, implement enhancements, and resolve service challenges.
• Conduct regular system audits to ensure configuration aligns with payroll policies and compliance requirements.

Implementations & Configuration Changes

• Lead or support payroll implementations, including acquisitions, new company setups, system conversions, and parallel payroll testing.
• Manage payroll configuration changes driven by regulatory updates, benefits changes, and organizational restructuring.
• Develop testing plans, validate results, and coordinate go‑live activities.
• Ensure proper documentation and post‑implementation stabilization.

Project Management & Process Improvement

• Manage payroll‑related projects from initiation through completion, including scope, timelines, risks, and deliverables.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with HR, Finance, Benefits, IT, and external vendors.
• Identify and implement payroll process improvements through automation and system optimization.
• Maintain project documentation and status reporting for leadership.
• Manage, coach, and develop payroll staff to ensure accuracy, coverage, and performance accountability.
• Provide mentoring on advanced payroll topics, compliance matters, and system functionality.
• Act as a strategic payroll partner to HR and Finance leadership.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, HR, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including multi‑state payrolls.
• Hands‑on expertise with Payroll Systems such as ADP, Ceridian, UKG, etc.
• Experience with payroll implementations and system configuration.
• Strong payroll compliance knowledge and project management experience.
• Advanced Excel and analytical skills.

Preferred

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP).
• Experience supporting payroll for large or complex organizations.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, religion, national origin, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or reprisal or any other characteristic protected under state, federal, or local law.