Senior Manager, US Payroll

Senior Manager, US Payroll

Location: Gaithersburg, MD

Introduction to role:

Are you ready to lead one of the most complex payroll landscapes in our industry and turn precision, automation, and insight into a strategic advantage?

In this role, you will own end-to-end US payroll delivery for 18,000+ employees across eight legal entities and all 50 states, ensuring every payment, tax, and control lands right the first time. Your work will keep our business moving at pace so our teams can focus on delivering life-changing medicines to patients.

Based in Gaithersburg, MD and connected across our global enterprise, you will partner with HR, Finance, IT, and external vendors to optimize Workday Payroll and Workday Time and Absence, modernize processes, and use data and AI to raise quality and speed. Can you see yourself building a best-in-class payroll engine that blends strong controls with a great employee experience?

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all US payroll operations (regular, off‑cycle, bonus, year‑end) across multiple entities and all 50 states.
• Ensure accurate, timely payroll in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and company policies.
• Own and enhance payroll controls, documentation, reconciliations, and audit readiness (SOX/FCF controls and internal/external audits).
• Manage, coach, and develop the US payroll team. Act as the senior POC for complex issues.
• Partner closely with HR, HR Operations, Benefits, Finance, Accounting, Tax, and external vendors.
• Optimize and integrate processes in Workday Payroll and Workday Time and Absence, using automation and AI tools (e.g. Power BI, Power Automate, Copilot, Claude) to improve accuracy, efficiency, and employee experience.
• Partner with HRIS, IT, and vendors to manage the payroll system landscape.
• Lead or support cross-functional projects such as system upgrades, integrations, acquisitions/divestitures, new entity setups, and operating model changes.
• Define and track key performance indicators and critical metrics for payroll accuracy, timeliness, and service quality.  Drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee year-end payroll activities, including W‑2 processing, reconciliations, and statutory reporting.

Skills & Competencies

• Deep technical payroll expertise with strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity.
• Strong people leadership skills, with proven ability to develop and motivate teams.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.  Ability to interpret data and translate into actionable insights.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.  Ability to explain complex payroll topics to non‑experts.
• Demonstrated ability to operate in a fast-paced, matrixed environment, managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and respect for confidentiality and data privacy.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, HR, or related field (or High School diploma or GED with 5 years experience in managing a large (10,000+ employees) payroll function and multiple legal entities).
• 8–10+ years of progressive US payroll experience, including 3–5+ years leading a payroll team or function.
• Proven experience supporting large, complex, multi‑entity, multi‑state US payrolls.
• Experience managing International Assignee payroll.
• Strong knowledge of US payroll, tax, and wage & hour regulations.
• Hands-on experience with Workday HCM, Workday Payroll, and Workday Time and Absence.
• Demonstrated people leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills.
• Comfort working with data, metrics, advanced Excel, and automation/AI to drive continuous improvement.

Desired Skills/Experience

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP).
• Experience in a global, highly regulated environment and/or shared services model.
• Canada payroll experience is a plus.

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $110,297.60 to $165,446.40. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

Why AstraZeneca

Here you will see the impact of your work every pay cycle and across the business: reliable payroll enables our scientists, clinicians, and commercial teams to focus on patients. We bring finance, HR, data, and technology specialists around the same table to simplify processes and scale automation, all while maintaining uncompromising standards. You will be part of a globally connected enterprise that values kindness alongside ambition, uses modern platforms like Workday and advanced analytics to solve real problems, and gives you room to grow by taking on complex, cross-functional challenges that shape how we operate at scale.

Join our team and lead the payroll engine that powers our US operations—bring your expertise to Gaithersburg and help us set a higher standard on accuracy, automation, and experience.

Date Posted

Closing Date

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.