Payroll & Talent Manager

This role ensures accurate, compliant payroll processing while optimizing HRIS systems and enhancing talent acquisition practices. A high level of confidentiality, technical expertise, and the ability to manage multiple priorities is required. The Payroll and Talent Manager will exercise independent judgment in prioritizing work, resolving payroll discrepancies, and managing recruitment timelines with oversight from the CPO.

Essential Job Duties

• Process bi-weekly payroll for 100+ employees, including hours, deductions, adjustments, and wage assignments.
• Maintain payroll records, including accrual balances, deductions, and employee data.
• Ensure compliance with wage and hour laws and payroll tax regulations.
• Reconcile payroll with the general ledger and prepare monthly, quarterly, and year-end reports.
• Manage employee deductions such as garnishments, child support, union dues, and benefit contributions.
• Serve as the primary contact for payroll-related questions and issues.
• Oversee payroll and timekeeping systems (UKG/UltiPro and Kronos), working with vendors to resolve issues and improve functionality.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure accurate timekeeping and payroll processing.
• Develop and maintain payroll procedures and identify opportunities to improve efficiency.
• Lead full-cycle recruitment, including sourcing, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding.
• Partner with leadership to identify staffing needs and implement effective hiring strategies.
• Manage and improve recruiting and onboarding systems to enhance the candidate’s experience.
• Set up new hires in payroll and timekeeping systems and coordinate onboarding activities.
• Train supervisors on timekeeping processes and support cross-training for payroll backup.
• Support audits, reporting, and special projects as needed.
• Collaborate with HR and Finance on payroll and employee-related matters.
• Maintain confidentiality and work a flexible schedule as required to include evenings and weekends.

Skills and Qualifications

• Strong knowledge and experience with payroll and recruitment processes.
• Demonstrated proficiency and expertise in payroll, timekeeping systems and HRIS platforms. Experience with UKG (UltiPro) and Kronos is preferred.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) through the American Payroll Association or SHRM certification is beneficial.
• Proficiency with recruiting tools and applicant tracking systems. Experience in HR sourcing techniques is desirable.
• Familiarity with accounting practices and tax regulations. Strong understanding of data analysis and account reconciliation processes.
• Analytical thinking mindset, and effective listening skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex information clearly to management and diverse groups of employees.
• Professionalism and ability to maintain strict confidentiality of all payroll data and restricted information.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Proficiency in analyzing statistical data reports for operational efficiencies.
• Excellent 10 key typing skills for accurate data entry.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of payroll, and a proactive approach to talent development.  High School Diploma is required along with 3 to 5 years of payroll experience; preferably in complex organizations with 300+ employees and multi-state payrolls.  Recruitment and onboarding experience is preferred.

Join our team as a Payroll and Talent Manager where you will contribute to the smooth operation of our payroll processes and lead transformative HR recruiting initiatives to attract talent and empower our workforce.  Your expertise will help to ensure compliance and shape our operational precision.   Explore St. Louis offers competitive pay plus a robust benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, as well as pension, paid holidays and PTO.  Apply on our Explore St. Louis Jobs URL or email a resume and cover letter to jobs@explorestlouis.com.  Please include your cover letter and resume when applying online. NO PHONE CALLS! EOE.

Explore St. Louis is the sales and marketing organization responsible for selling and promoting St. Louis as a convention, meeting site, and leisure travel destination. Explore St. Louis manages and operates the America’s Center Complex which includes the Cervantes Convention Center, the Dome at America’s Center, the Ferrara Theatre, and the St. Louis Executive Conference Center.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement: Explore St. Louis values diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, past or present military service, marital status, gender identification or expression, medical condition or any other protected characteristic as established by law.