Senior Payroll Manager (100% Remote)

Founded in 1938, our Customer is a retail and outdoor recreation services corporation. They bring you top-quality gear and apparel, expert advice, and rental equipment - while inspiring stories of life outside and outdoor experiences. They work closely with partners all over the globe, allowing them to make a larger impact across the outdoor industry. From seeking better ways of making goods, to advancing fair trade manufacturing practices, to putting profits to good use, they make it easier for customers to shop their values.

We are seeking a Senior Payroll Manager on a contract basis to help support our Customer's business needs. This role is 100% remote.

This role will be responsible for ensuring payroll accuracy, compliance, and efficiency, including vendor meetings to optimize current functionality. This is more than just payroll processing; you’ll be a strategic leader, ensuring compliance, driving process improvements, and leveraging integrations to enhance efficiency. You’ll collaborate cross-functionally to provide insights on payroll, tax processing, and policy matters while navigating a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:

Operations

• Develop, implement, and monitor internal controls and KPIs to ensure effective, efficient, and timely payroll processing
• Lead end-to-end payroll operations, including ownership of payroll for all associate groups, with a specific focus on accurate and confidential processing for executive management and senior leadership
• Foster a high-performing, values-aligned team culture by setting clear expectations, coaching team members, and supporting development and accountability
• Understand associate and leadership needs, proactively troubleshoot to ensure optimal payroll operations and service delivery
• Drive continuous process improvements to align payroll operations with business strategy and evolving organizational needs
• Lead or support business-initiated projects that require payroll integration, ensuring collaboration with HR, Finance, and business units
• Oversee payroll and time & attendance system enhancements to improve accuracy, efficiency, scalability, and user experience
• Identify and implement innovative solutions that modernize payroll operations, automate workflows, and improve reporting and compliance capabilities
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations, ensuring ongoing compliance and alignment with policy
• Monitor and communicate legislative changes; coordinate updates to policies and procedures accordingly.
• Maintain audit readiness and proper documentation across all payroll functions, including tax reporting and filings
• Collaborate cross-functionally with HR, Finance, Legal, and business units to address payroll-related issues and implement improvements.
• Manage relationships with payroll vendors, ensuring SLA compliance and identifying opportunities for service optimization and cost reduction.

Leadership

• Influence and negotiate priorities with a focus on continuous improvement of operational processes and systems.
• Develop and train staff (provide appropriate training, coaching, and career opportunities) to ensure efficient and effective support to the business.
• Demonstrated change/project management skills – can effectively lead projects by establishing priorities, building and executing project plans, and delivering on commitments.
• Prepare, communicate, and educate internal customers and team on payroll changes in policies and practices
• Mentor and develop the payroll team by providing strategic problem-solving and escalation support.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, or a demonstrated equivalent level of experience
• 10+ years of progressive experience in payroll management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role
• Extensive knowledge of multi-state payroll regulations, tax laws, and compliance requirements, including federal, state, and local payroll legislation
• Experience handling executive compensation and confidential payroll processing with discretion and professionalism.
• Experience in organizations with over 10,000+ employees
• Strong proficiency with UKG Payroll software (3+ years) is required
• In-depth knowledge of payroll practices, tax regulations, garnishment, and compliance requirements
• Proven leadership experience, including mentoring, managing, and developing high-performing payroll teams.
• Proven experience in managing and developing high-performing teams.
• Demonstrated success leading payroll transformation initiatives, including process redesign, system implementations (Workday preferred), and automation efforts.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret payroll data, identify trends, and drive strategic improvements.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a track record of effectively partnering with HR, Finance, Legal, and Senior Leadership.
• Strong project management abilities, with the capacity to balance multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and a strong sense of accountability, particularly when managing sensitive and executive-level compensation matters
• Thought Leader with a Transformation mindset. Strong technical knowledge of payroll and HR systems.
• Strong expertise with Federal and state payroll compliance and legislation.
• Expert Taxation background.

We offer a competitive salary range for this position. Most candidates who join our team are hired at the median of this range, ensuring fair and equitable compensation based on experience and qualifications.

Contractor benefits are available through our 3rd Party Employer of Record (Available upon completion of waiting period for eligible engagements)

Benefits include: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k.

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.