Payroll Manager

Overview

Our client is seeking a Payroll Manager to lead end-to-end payroll operations across the U.S. (required) and Canada (nice to have). This role manages a small team of two direct reports and partners closely with HR, HRIS, Finance, and Accounting to ensure accurate, compliant, on-time payroll processing. With new HRIS/Payroll initiatives on the horizon, this leader will also play a key role in process improvement and system/project support.

Hybrid - 2 days/week onsite in the Kansas City office

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  Own end-to-end payroll processing for biweekly, monthly, and off-cycle runs across hourly and salaried employee populations.

  
  
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  Process one-time payments such as bonuses, reimbursements, severance, and PTO payouts.

  
  
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  Manage annual tax deliverables (ex: W-2; Canada tax forms as applicable) in partnership with payroll vendors.

  
  
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  Maintain accurate payroll documentation, records, and audit-ready files.

  
  
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  Oversee payroll setup/maintenance including earnings/deductions codes, limits, and accumulators.

  
  
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  Partner with timekeeping stakeholders to resolve exceptions and ensure accurate approvals.

  
  
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  Manage garnishments and withholding orders (child support, levies, etc.).

  
  
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  Review and validate payroll registers prior to final submission.

  
  
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  Maintain and troubleshoot GL mapping to ensure accurate payroll outputs for Finance.

  
  
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  Coordinate with tax authorities and vendors as needed; monitor filings/remittances.

  
  

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  Lead and develop a payroll team of two, ensuring coverage/back-up for absences and critical deadlines.

  
  
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  Serve as escalation point for complex payroll issues; ensure strong internal customer service.

  
  
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  Coach team members on best practices, communication, and quality standards.

  
  
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  Partner with HRIS on payroll system setup/maintenance and related integrations.

  
  

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  Ensure compliance with applicable payroll laws and regulations across jurisdictions (federal/state/provincial/local).

  
  
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  Execute reconciliations and support audits (financial, 401k, benefits, etc.).

  
  
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  Deliver payroll reporting and insights to internal stakeholders.

  
  
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  Identify process gaps, implement improvements, and document SOPs.

  
  
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  Support payroll-related projects, including systems enhancements/implementations (requirements, testing, workflow design, go-live support).

  
  

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  5+ years of progressive payroll experience with strong multi-state U.S. payroll ownership (required).

  
  
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  Prior payroll leadership experience preferred (team size can be small); ability to effectively manage and develop others.

  
  
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  Exceptional communication skills-clear, responsive, and confident with all levels of stakeholders.

  
  
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  Experience with large payroll platforms strongly preferred:

  
  
  
  
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    ADP Workforce Now and/or Workday highly desired

    
    
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    Also relevant: UKG (Ultimate/Kronos), Ceridian Dayforce, Paychex, or similar enterprise systems

    
    
  
  
  
  
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  Strong working knowledge of payroll compliance, taxation, and internal controls.

  
  
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  Solid Excel skills (comfortable with reconciliation and reporting).

  
  
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  High integrity and discretion with confidential information.

  
  
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  Canadian payroll exposure is a plus, but not required.

  
  

Bonus Points

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  Payroll certification (CPP or similar)

  
  
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  Experience supporting system implementations/upgrades and change management

  
  

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