Assistant Payroll Manager

Company: The Davey Tree Expert Company

Locations: Kent, OH

Additional Locations: N/A

Work Site: Hybrid

Req : 225912

The Assistant Manager, Payroll is responsible for coordinating the daily operations and technical workflow of the payroll team to ensure the accurate and timely completion of pay cycles, tax filings, and year‑end activities. This role serves as the technical expert for payroll system optimizations, mergers and acquisitions integrations, and compliance audits while resolving escalated technical issues. The role ensures the maintenance of internal controls, compliance with federal and state regulations, and high‑quality service to the workforce.

Job Classification: The Assistant Manager, Payroll is an exempt position.

• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in alignment with organizational policies and applicable laws, while promoting a culture of respect, collaboration, and accountability.
• Interview, hire, develop, and retain employees.
• Supervise, mentor, and guide a team of five or more full‑time employees.
• Plan, assign, and direct work in a way that encourages employee autonomy while providing appropriate support.
• Provide regular performance feedback and coaching, offering constructive feedback and identifying areas for professional growth.
• Reward outstanding performance, celebrate team successes, and acknowledge individual contributions.

• Manage the workflow and daily activities of payroll implementation to maintain quality standards of customer service and adherence to pay‑cycle timelines.
• Implement and review payroll processing systems to ensure the accurate flow of garnishments and taxes.
• Facilitate payroll integration projects for new company acquisitions.
• Identify and recommend updates to payroll software and internal procedures to increase efficiency and data security.
• Serve as the technical expert for payroll laws, tax regulations, and accounting principles.
• Review and reconcile weekly tax filings to the third‑party payroll provider.
• Manage the submission of union reports via digital and manual filing systems.
• Oversee prevailing wage processes and reporting requirements.
• Facilitate audits by preparing complex documentation and ensuring all internal controls are followed by the clerical team.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws and best practices. Conduct thorough payroll reviews and resolve discrepancies each pay period; verify "special items" on the payroll preview (off‑cycle requests, terminations, and retroactive pay).
• Resolve highly complex and escalated payroll issues that fall outside the scope of Payroll Specialists.
• Lead year‑end activities.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records and reports of payroll transactions, including variance analysis for management review.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Follow all company policies, procedures, and work rules.
• Demonstrates understanding of federal, state, and local payroll laws, wage and hour regulations, and tax requirements.
• Manage the technical infrastructure and workflow of payroll operations to drive efficiency and accuracy.
• Directs the daily workflow to ensure pay‑cycle timelines and quality standards are met.

• Required: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• Required: 4 years of progressive payroll experience, with at least 1‑2 years in a lead or supervisory capacity.
• Required: Extensive knowledge of internal controls, payroll taxes, and ERP systems (SAP preferred).
• Required: Expert level in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables for variance analysis).
• Preferred: Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP).

• Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance*
• Life insurance*
• Paid parental leave
• 401k with up to a 4% company match**
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan: opportunity to buy company stock at a 15% discount
• Holidays and paid time off*
• Payroll savings plan*
• Charitable matching gift program*
• Employee referral bonus program *
• Employee Educational Scholarship*
• Davey Family Scholarship*
• 20%…