Payroll Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Payroll Manager is responsible for leading the organization's payroll function, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across multiple states and business entities. This role provides leadership and oversight to the payroll team while partnering closely with Finance, Human Resources, and school and operational leaders to deliver exceptional payroll support and service.

The Payroll Manager ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, maintains payroll systems and processes, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and serves as the subject matter expert for payroll operations and HRIS payroll functionality.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Payroll Operations

• Oversee all aspects of payroll processing to ensure accurate and timely payroll for all employees across multiple entities and states.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the payroll department, ensuring payroll deadlines and service expectations are consistently met.
• Review and approve payroll audits, balancing reports, payroll adjustments, off-cycle payrolls, and year-end payroll activities.
• Ensure accurate processing of employee earnings, deductions, taxes, garnishments, paid time off, and benefit deductions.
• Partner with Finance to reconcile payroll-related accounts and support month-end and year-end financial processes.
• Prepare and analyze payroll reports and metrics to support operational decision-making, budgeting, labor reporting, audits, and workforce planning.
• Monitor payroll trends, identify opportunities to improve accuracy and efficiency, and implement process enhancements that strengthen payroll operations.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve payroll procedures, documentation, internal controls, and standard operating practices.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop the Payroll Specialist team by providing ongoing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative, business-focused, and accountable team culture.
• Identify training needs and create development plans that support team member growth and succession planning.
• Manage staffing, workload distribution, and departmental priorities to ensure operational efficiency.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations.
• Monitor legislative changes affecting payroll practices and implement necessary process updates.
• Maintain payroll tax compliance, wage and hour compliance, record retention requirements, and reporting obligations.
• Coordinate payroll audits and respond to internal and external audit requests.
• Partner with HR and Legal on payroll-related compliance matters as needed.

HRIS & Payroll Systems

• Serve as the primary functional owner of payroll-related HRIS configurations and payroll system functionality.
• Maintain payroll system setup, earnings and deduction codes, tax configurations, organizational structures, and security roles as appropriate.
• Partner with HRIS, HR, Finance, and IT to implement system enhancements, upgrades, and process improvements as needed.
• Identify opportunities to automate processes and improve payroll efficiency and accuracy.
• Maintain payroll-related documentation, workflows, and standard operating procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors Degree in accounting or related field.
• 5+ years of payroll experience within a multi-state, multi-entity environment.
• 3+ years of experience managing a team.
• Experience in and working knowledge of HRIS platforms (Paycom preferred).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) required.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Self-starter; takes the initiative to improve processes and anticipate needs.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality and integrity.

COMPENSATION and BENEFITS:

• Annual Salary: $80,000 - $90,000
• Bonus potential: Up to $1,000/year (paid out quarterly)
• Company sponsored medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• 401(K) plans, with company match.
• Paid time off
• Best-in-Class Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous childcare discounts at any New Horizon Academy and Kinderberry Hill locations across the U.S.

This position description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with this position. While this description is intended to accurately reflect the position's activities and requirements, New Horizon Academy reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary or desired. E.O.E.