Payroll Manager

Our client is seeking a Payroll Manager to lead end-to-end payroll operations across the U.S. (required) and Canada (nice to have). This role manages a small team of two direct reports and partners closely with HR, HRIS, Finance, and Accounting to ensure accurate, compliant, on‑time payroll processing. With new HRIS/Payroll initiatives on the horizon, this leader will also play a key role in process improvement and system/project support.

Hybrid - 2 days/week onsite in the Kansas City office

• Own end-to-end payroll processing for biweekly, monthly, and off‑cycle runs across hourly and salaried employee populations.
• Process one‑time payments such as bonuses, reimbursements, severance, and PTO payouts.
• Manage annual tax deliverables (ex: W-2; Canada tax forms as applicable) in partnership with payroll vendors.
• Maintain accurate payroll documentation, records, and audit‑ready files.
• Oversee payroll setup/maintenance including earnings/deductions codes, limits, and accumulators.
• Partner with timekeeping stakeholders to resolve exceptions and ensure accurate approvals.
• Manage garnishments and withholding orders (child support, levies, etc.).
• Review and validate payroll registers prior to final submission.
• Maintain and troubleshoot GL mapping to ensure accurate payroll outputs for Finance.
• Coordinate with tax authorities and vendors as needed; monitor filings/remittances.

• Lead and develop a payroll team of two, ensuring coverage/back‑up for absences and critical deadlines.
• Serve as escalation point for complex payroll issues; ensure strong internal customer service.
• Coach team members on best practices, communication, and quality standards.
• Partner with HRIS on payroll system setup/maintenance and related integrations.

• Ensure compliance with applicable payroll laws and regulations across jurisdictions (federal/state/provincial/local).
• Execute reconciliations and support audits (financial, 401k, benefits, etc.).
• Deliver payroll reporting and insights to internal stakeholders.
• Identify process gaps, implement improvements, and document SOPs.
• Support payroll-related projects, including systems enhancements/implementations (requirements, testing, workflow design, go‑live support).

• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience with strong multi‑state U.S. payroll ownership (required).
• Prior payroll leadership experience preferred (team size can be small); ability to effectively manage and develop others.
• Exceptional communication skills—clear, responsive, and confident with all levels of stakeholders.
• Experience with large payroll platforms strongly preferred:
• ADP Workforce Now and/or Workday highly desired
• Also relevant: UKG (Ultimate/Kronos), Ceridian Dayforce, Paychex, or similar enterprise systems
• Strong working knowledge of payroll compliance, taxation, and internal controls.
• Solid Excel skills (comfortable with reconciliation and reporting).
• High integrity and discretion with confidential information.
• Canadian payroll exposure is a plus, but not required.

• Payroll certification (CPP or similar)
• Experience supporting system implementations/upgrades and change management

If interested, please email your updated resume to cor

No C2C at this time, and candidates must be local to KC for consideration.