Manager, Payroll & Tax Services

Description & Requirements

The Federal Tax Specialty practice brings a forward-thinking approach to strategic tax advisory, offering tailored solutions that go far beyond compliance. With deep expertise in federal tax law, they deliver value‑driven planning, proactive risk management, and innovative strategies aligned with each client's objectives. Their multidisciplinary approach empowers businesses to optimize tax positions, manage costs effectively, and capitalize on growth opportunities.

We are seeking a Manager to join our Payroll & Employment Tax Services team. This individual will play a key role in managing payroll tax engagements, overseeing day‑to‑day project execution, and serving as a primary point of contact for clients on payroll and employment tax matters.

• Lead and manage multi‑state payroll tax and employment tax projects for corporate and private equity‑backed clients, from planning through delivery.
• Oversee reviews of payroll processes, HRIS/payroll system configurations, and tax filing workflows to identify compliance gaps, control weaknesses, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Assess federal, state, and local employment tax compliance (including income tax withholding, FICA/FUTA, SUTA, and local payroll taxes) and recommend practical remediation steps.
• Direct the preparation, review, and reconciliation of payroll tax returns, amended filings, and related schedules (e.g., Forms 941/940, W‑2/W‑3, 1099, and state/local returns).
• Manage client payroll tax registrations, account maintenance, and closures, including state unemployment insurance rate analyses and experience transfers.
• Lead diagnostic reviews related to executive compensation, fringe benefits, equity awards, and special payments (e.g., bonuses, severance, nonqualified plans) to evaluate employment tax treatment and reporting.
• Support clients with payroll and employment tax implications of transactions and organizational changes, including mergers, acquisitions, spin‑offs, and payroll/HRIS implementations or conversions.
• Uncover and pursue employment tax refunds, over payments, and available credits arising from corporate transactions, restructurings, or historical filing errors.
• Represent clients in federal, state, and local payroll tax audits and inquiries, including issue analysis, documentation support, and audit response coordination, issue resolution, and appeals support.
• Draft clear, concise technical memoranda, findings reports, and client correspondence on payroll and employment tax issues.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments impacting payroll and employment taxes and communicate relevant updates to clients and internal stakeholders.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop staff on engagements, including work‑plan development, on‑the‑job training, and constructive feedback.
• Collaborate with other Forvis Mazars tax, advisory, and audit teams to deliver coordinated services and integrated client solutions.
• Contribute to practice growth through participation in proposals, presentations, thought leadership, and other business development activities.

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field required.
• Current and valid CPA, CPP, or JD/LL.M. (Tax).
• 4.5+ years of experience in employment tax, payroll tax, or compensation and benefits, ideally within a public accounting, consulting, or complex corporate environment.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); experience with major payroll/HRIS platforms and payroll tax software strongly preferred.

• Experience in a Big 4, national public accounting firm, or employment tax specialty practice strongly preferred.
• Strong technical knowledge of federal, state, and local employment tax rules, payroll reporting requirements, and year‑end processes.
• Proven project management skills with the ability to manage multiple engagements, prioritize competing deadlines, and coordinate cross‑functional teams.
• Familiarity with AI‑assisted tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, etc.) a plus.
• Willingness to travel, as needed, to support client engagements and firm initiatives.

Our robust total…