Manager-Payroll

The Manager, Payroll is responsible for leading the end-to-end payroll function at Tallgrass, ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely processing of payroll for approximately 1,350 employees across multiple states. This role provides both strategic leadership and hands-on operational oversight, directly managing one Sr. Payroll Specialist while serving as the subject matter expert for all payroll systems, processes, and compliance requirements. The Manager, Payroll partners closely with HR, Finance, Tax, and Accounting and plays a key role in driving process improvement, system optimization, and scalable payroll operations to support Tallgrass's continued growth.

Payroll Operations & Processing

• Own end-to-end bi-weekly multi-state payroll processing via ADP, including new hires, terminations, salary changes, garnishments, benefit deductions, and tax withholdings.

• Provide oversight of a limited‑scope UK payroll, ensuring accurate and compliant monthly processing. Review, audit, and approve payroll reports and documents for accuracy prior to final processing; research and resolve complex payroll discrepancies.

• Manage workflow to ensure all payroll transactions are processed correctly and on time in accordance with established deadlines.

• Oversee the administration of the electronic timekeeping system (HBS); ensure valid data transfers between timekeeping and payroll, monitor timesheet submissions, and maintain FLSA compliance.

• Prepare and process off-cycle payrolls as needed, including corrections, adjustments, and special pay runs.

• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex payroll questions and issues from employees, managers, and HR.

Team Leadership & Development

• Directly manage and develop the Sr. Payroll Specialist, providing day-to-day coaching, performance feedback, and professional development support.

• Set clear performance expectations, conduct regular check-ins, and complete annual performance reviews in alignment with Tallgrass pay for performance framework.

• Build team capacity by cross-training and developing backup coverage plans to ensure payroll continuity during absences or high-volume periods.

• Foster a team culture of accuracy, accountability, continuous improvement, and excellent customer service.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Maintain expert-level knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations; ensure ongoing compliance with all applicable requirements.

• Monitor and implement changes to payroll regulations, minimum wage laws, garnishment rules, and tax withholding requirements across all active jurisdictions.

• Manage and coordinate payroll audit support for external auditors, IRS inquiries, 401(k) audits, workers' compensation audits, and other regulatory reviews.

• Ensure all payroll and personnel data is maintained with strict confidentiality and in full compliance with data privacy standards.

• Prepare and submit required payroll-related tax filings, W-2s, and year-end reporting; partner with Tax and Finance to ensure accuracy and timeliness.

Systems, Technology & Process Improvement

• Serve as the internal subject matter expert and system administrator for ADP and HBS timekeeping, act as the primary liaison with vendors for issue resolution, system updates, and enhancements.

• Partner with HRIS to support Oracle integrations, upgrades, and payroll-related system projects; lead payroll workstream participation in system implementations.

• Proactively identify and implement payroll process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and scale for business growth.

• Develop, document, and maintain standard operating procedures for all payroll processes and controls.

• Participate in the evaluation and recommendation of new or enhanced payroll and timekeeping technologies.

Reporting, Analytics & Stakeholder Partnership

• Prepare and distribute bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll reports for Finance, HR, and senior leadership.

• Manage ad hoc payroll data requests and research inquiries from internal and external stakeholders, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and appropriate handling of sensitive information. Build and maintain payroll analytics and dashboards that provide actionable insights on labor costs, headcount changes, and payroll trends.

• Partner closely with Finance and Accounting on payroll funding, journal entries, reconciliations, off-cycle check requests and GL coding.

• Collaborate with Benefits and Total Rewards on benefit deduction accuracy, leave pay administration, and compensation-related pay actions.

• Serve as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert to HR business partners and managers on payroll policies, processes, and employee pay questions.

Policy, Training & Communication

• Develop and maintain payroll policies and procedures; recommend updates as laws, systems, or business needs evolve.

• Design and deliver payroll-related training materials and sessions for HR team members, managers, and employees.

• Ensure timely and clear communication to employees on payroll schedules, changes, and program updates.

• Other duties and special projects as assigned 

Education

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.

• A minimum of seven (7) years of direct payroll experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience & Knowledge

• 7–10 years of progressive payroll experience, including at least 2–3 years of experience leading or supervising experienced payroll professionals.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and partner with highly experienced individual contributors while fostering autonomy, trust, and accountability. Proven experience implementing, upgrading, or optimizing payroll and/or timekeeping systems, including requirements gathering, testing, and post‑implementation support.

• Advanced knowledge of multi-state payroll administration, payroll laws, and regulatory compliance (FLSA, IRS, state and local tax).

• Hands-on experience with ADP payroll software; experience with HBS timekeeping or similar systems strongly preferred.

• Experience with Oracle HRIS or comparable enterprise HR systems.

• Proven experience partnering with HR, HRIS, Finance, Tax, and Accounting teams to support payroll operations and reporting.

• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, data analysis).

Competencies, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership and coaching skills with demonstrated ability to develop direct reports and build high-performing teams.

• Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail; meticulous in auditing payroll data and identifying discrepancies.

• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills with ability to build reports, interpret payroll data, and communicate findings clearly.

• Proactive problem-solver who takes initiative to identify and resolve issues, improve processes, and drive outcomes with minimal guidance.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex payroll topics for non-payroll audiences.

• Organized and able to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

• High integrity in handling sensitive and confidential payroll and employee data.

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).

• Experience in the oil, gas, or energy infrastructure industry.

• Experience supporting payroll for a workforce of 1,000+ employees across multiple states.

• Prior experience with payroll system implementations or migrations (particularly Oracle).

• Advanced Excel skills; experience building payroll dashboards or management reporting.

• Familiarity with workers' compensation, 401(k) administration, and benefits deduction reconciliation.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid work schedule – onsite at Lakewood, CO office.

• Occasional overnight travel may be required (up to 5%).

• Required to carry a cell phone and be available to respond during and outside of standard working hours, particularly during payroll processing windows.

• Must be dependable and able to work under pressure while meeting critical payroll deadlines.

• Primarily sedentary role with general office working conditions; occasional lifting up to 25 lbs.

• Successful candidates will be required to clear a drug screen and complete a background check, including credit report, after an offer has been extended.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position directly manages one (1) Sr. Payroll Specialist and is accountable for that employee's performance, development, and day-to-day work direction. This role may expand supervisory scope in alignment with business growth.

Compensation range is $140,000 - $150,000