Payroll Manager @ Qualfon

Role Description

The Payroll Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing end‑to‑end payroll operations for a large, multi‑state workforce in a fast‑paced, high‑turnover environment. This role ensures payroll accuracy, regulatory compliance, and timely execution while managing a team of Payroll Specialists. The Payroll Manager serves as a trusted advisor to cross‑functional partners and acts as the primary liaison with payroll vendors, driving operational excellence, process standardization, and continuous improvement across U.S. payroll operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end‑to‑end payroll operations, ensuring adherence to all applicable federal, state, and local payroll, wage and hour laws, and FLSA requirements.
• Manage payroll inquiries and issue resolution, ensuring responses are timely, accurate, and compliant.
• Review payroll‑related journal entries, reconciliations, and variance analyses to ensure financial accuracy and integrity.
• Fulfill internal and external audit requests and support business partners through ad‑hoc reporting and routine payroll reconciliations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll vendors and third‑party providers, including ADP and other external partners.
• Conduct payroll and timekeeping audits, reconciliations, tax filings, and year‑end processes, including W‑2 preparation and related regulatory reporting.
• Partner closely with the Person Office, Benefits, Finance, Operations, and other key stakeholders to support business decisions and provide expert payroll guidance on policy changes and compliance considerations.
• Develop, document, and maintain payroll standard operating procedures (SOPs) and internal controls to support consistency, compliance, and audit readiness.
• Drive process standardization and optimization across U.S. payroll operations by identifying opportunities for automation, simplification, self‑service, and the effective use of AI tools.
• Lead/coordinate employee trainings in-person/via Teams for orientation and process adoption. Travel is required to various sites as needed.
• Leverage digital tools, analytics, and reporting to enhance payroll efficiency, accuracy, scalability, and employee experience.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Payroll Specialists, ensuring accountability, high performance, and professional growth in a high‑volume environment.
• Responsible for resolving tax issues and payroll related reconciling items including working with ADP tax Services, taxing authorities, accounting, and ADP customer/technical support.
• Maintain and process annual escheatment’s to various state entities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of payroll management experience, including direct people leadership.
• Experience with SAP Employee Central Payroll (ECP).
• Extensive multi‑state payroll experience, with strong expertise in California and Pennsylvania payroll regulations.
• Payroll Certification, CPP or FPC certification required.
• High efficiency and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• In‑depth knowledge of Federal, State, and Local tax jurisdictions, wage and hour laws, and FLSA.
• Hands‑on experience with UKG timekeeping systems.
• Experience working with ADP SmartCompliance and post‑payroll services.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, high‑turnover environment while supporting employees with varying skill levels.

Desired Qualifications

• 5+ years of Canadian/Quebec payroll experience.
• Payroll implementation experience.

Physical Requirements (Standard Office Environment)

• Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer workstation.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
• Ability to view and read information on a computer screen for prolonged periods.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching within the office environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through electronic communications.
• Ability to travel via aircraft, rail, or automobile 5% – 10%.

Benefits

• Further your education and earn a college degree through our Qualfon University program.
• Free access to personal and professional support through the Qualfon care coaches program.
• Medical, dental benefits, vision and life & accident insurance for full-time employees.
• Paid time off.
• Paid Training.
• Employee discounts.

Compensation

This position will be paid on a salaried basis with a pay range between $80,000 - $90,000 annually depending on prior experience. This base pay is subject to all applicable statutory deductions and authorized withholdings as required by law. This base pay is also subject to any authorized deductions to contribute toward the employee’s portion of benefits premiums and/or 401(k) contributions.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

QUALFON is an equal opportunity employer. QUALFON provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), marital status, ancestry, status as a covered veteran, uniformed servicemember status and any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.