Payroll Manager
Southwest Accounting Resources • Tempe, AZ • Full Time
Posted on Sun, Oct 11, 2026
The Payroll Manager leads accurate, timely payroll for 750+ hourly and salaried employees across multiple sites, states, and jurisdictions. This hands-on role supervises a payroll specialist and manages payroll processes, controls, and ADP systems. The manager also supports audits and partners with Human Resources, Finance, and Operations to resolve issues, improve efficiency, and maintain compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.
Position Responsibilities:
Payroll Administration
- Manage and oversee the end-to-end multi-site payroll process for 750+ employees, including hourly and salaried across multiple states and jurisdictions.
- Ensure accurate calculation and processing of wages, salaries, OT, bonuses, route pay, and deductions.
- Coordinate with Transportation Management and General Managers to verify the accuracy of timekeeping and route pay and promptly resolve discrepancies.
- Review and approve payroll batches in ADP before payroll is processed and verify that payroll results are accurately reflected in the General Ledger.
- Maintain payroll records and associated supporting documentation.
- Process special payrolls, off-cycle payments, and final paychecks as required.
- Maintain payroll system tax settings, earning and deduction codes, General Ledger mapping, and other regulatory or technical configurations.
- Communicate changes and their impact to affected departments and employees, as appropriate. Address employee payroll inquiries and resolve payroll discrepancies.
- Support HR and management with payroll-related reporting and data requests.
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations.
- Oversee the accuracy and timely completion of payroll tax filings, deposits, and year-end reporting, including Forms W-2 and related filings.
- Monitor regulatory changes and implement necessary updates to payroll policies and procedures.
- Coordinate payroll-related audits and provide requested documentation.
- Lead year-end payroll close by reconciling final payroll data, confirming the accuracy and distribution of Forms W-2, completing system close and reset activities, and verifying that final files are accurate and complete.
- Monitor and troubleshoot interfaces between payroll, HRIS, timekeeping, and accounting systems to support accurate data flow.
- Lead payroll system upgrades, testing, and process improvements.
- Develop and maintain payroll internal controls.
- Establish and enforce strong payroll governance including calendars, procedures, approvals, and exception protocols.
- Identify opportunities to increase efficiency through automation and process enhancements.
- Partner with Accounting and Finance on payroll-related general ledger reconciliations.
- Prepare payroll accruals and support month-end and year-end close activities.
- Partner with Accounting and Finance to ensure accurate financial reporting.
- Analyze payroll trends and provide management reporting as needed.
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
- 7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including responsibility for complex, multi-state payroll operations.
- 2+ years of supervisory or management experience preferred.
- Experience in processing multi-state payrolls required
- Experience with ADP Workforce Now payroll, HRIS, and timekeeping systems preferred.
- Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and wage and hour requirements.
- Understanding of accounting principles and general ledger reconciliations.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- High level of attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation.
- Experience in manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, or distribution.
AuditFriendly salary estimate
The employer did not post a salary for this role. Based on AuditFriendly's salary intelligence model (comparable live postings, role, seniority, and location), we estimate base pay of $93,000–$137,000 per year (median ~$112,000). This is an AuditFriendly estimate, not an employer-provided figure.
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What the data says about this job
- Advertised pay for Payroll Manager: a median of $104,450 across 964 priced postings. Explore the market
Measured from employers' own postings and public filings. How we measure