Strategic Payroll Manager – Multi-State & HRIS (Hybrid)

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Kansas City (MO); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

CRB is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead the end-to-end payroll function across a multi-state, project-based professional services organization. The role ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing while driving continuous improvement through process optimization and HRIS enhancements.

The ideal candidate will lead payroll administrators and partner with HR, Finance, Accounting, Benefits, and IT, with a focus on HRIS implementations and system integrations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field.
• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership.
• 3+ years of people leadership experience managing payroll teams.
• Experience processing payroll in a multi-state environment.
• Experience with Workday, Dayforce, or comparable enterprise payroll/HRIS platforms.
• Experience leading HRIS implementations, conversions, or major system enhancements.
• Strong knowledge of payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, payroll accounting, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and oversee payroll operations across multi-state payrolls.
• Direct day-to-day activities and development of payroll personnel.
• Establish service standards, workflows, and controls for payroll accuracy and compliance.
• Own payroll calendars, deadlines, reconciliations, and year-end activities.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and international regulations as applicable.
• Own payroll tax compliance, reporting requirements, and audit support activities.
• Drive HRIS initiatives, system upgrades, integrations, testing, and redesigns.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, IT, and external auditors on audits and reviews.
• Optimize payroll processes through automation and technology enhancements.

Skills

Payroll leadership

Multi-state payroll

Excel

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

Workday

Dayforce

Job description

CRB is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead the end-to-end payroll function across a multi-state, project-based professional services organization. The role ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing while driving continuous improvement through process optimization and HRIS enhancements.

The ideal candidate will lead payroll administrators and partner with HR, Finance, Accounting, Benefits, and IT, with a focus on HRIS implementations and system integrations.