Payroll Manager

Downers Grove, 3333 Finley Rd, Downers Grove, Illinois, United States of America

Posted Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 6:00 AM

Job Summary

We are seeking a strategic and hands‑on Payroll Manager to lead our payroll operations responsible for processing accurate, timely and compliant payroll processing across the U.S. and Canada. This leader will manage multi‑state, multi‑province payrolls, maintain strong internal controls, oversee payroll tax compliance, support year‑end activities, and drive payroll transformation, standardization and optimization utilizing Dayforce and other tools. The ideal candidate will combine strategic vision with operational excellence, capable of shaping the future of payroll while actively managing the day‑today complexities.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll Operations & Strategy
  • Lead full‑cycle payroll processing across U.S. and Canadian employee groups, locations, and pay schedules (weekly, bi‑weekly, current, arrears)
  • Partner with HRIS to maintain and configure Dayforce Payroll, including earnings/deductions, tax profiles, pay groups, workflows, and audit rules, ensuring scalability and compliance across U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions
  • Validate payroll inputs for accuracy (timekeeping, PTO, shift differentials, bonuses, benefit deductions)
  • Manage payroll adjustments, reversals, retro pay, gross‑ups, garnishments, and special pay scenarios
  • Ensure accurate payroll accounting integration and GL posting in coordination with Finance
• Compliance & Regulatory Awareness
  • Ensure payroll operations comply with federal, state, and local regulatory requirements (FLSA, ESA, CPP/EI, local OT rules, tax laws and labor codes)
  • Interpret and apply statutory and legislative changes and partner with HRIS to adjust system configurations
  • Oversee garnishment orders, tax levies, unemployment reporting, and workforce agency requirements
  • Maintain audit‑ready controls to support SOX, internal audits, and external audits
  • Maintain confidentiality and data integrity across all payroll processes
• Tax & Year‑End Administration
  • Manage payroll tax filings and remittances (U.S. Federal/State/Local & Canadian Federal/Provincial)
  • Lead year‑end activities including W‑2, W‑2c, 1099, T4, T4A, RL‑1, and associated reconciliations
  • Reconcile and report taxable benefits including imputed income, GTL, stock/bonus taxation, and relocation benefits
  • Coordinate employee communications related to tax forms, gross‑ups, and corrections
• Lead and develop a team of Payroll Administrators, fostering accountability, collaboration, and service excellence
• Provide coaching, training, and performance feedback to ensure team success
• Oversee day‑to‑day operations and workload distribution across the team
• Promote a continuous improvement and root‑cause analysis mindset
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
• Partner with HR, Finance, Legal, and IT to align payroll execution with business changes and policy design
• Support labor relations and interpret union agreements related to pay rules, differentials, and overtime
• Participate in budgeting, accruals, payroll cost analysis, financial planning cycles, forecasting, and workforce planning initiatives

Reporting, Automation & Insights

• Identify and resolve payroll data discrepancies and trends (e.g., missed punches, manual adjustments)
• Create, maintain, and enhance payroll reports, audits, and dashboards using Dayforce Reporting & Data Analytics
• Lead payroll process improvement initiatives to simplify, standardize, and automate workflows
• In partnership with Director of HR Technology, work with external vendors supporting payroll functions and monitor service delivery, SLAs and KPIs
• Lead system optimization efforts and enhancements in partnership with HRIS

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field
• Years of
  
  Experience:
  
  7‑10 years of progressive payroll experience; 3+ years leading payroll teams
• Certifications: FPC or CPP designation preferred; PCP/CPM certification for Canada a plus
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Strong knowledge and experience in Dayforce Payroll & Reporting and strong Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, formulas, data audit logic);
  Understanding of…