Senior Payroll Manager

Exploring the Edge of Innovation | Senior Technical Recruiter at Harvey Nash | Specialist in AI, Generative AI, Robotics & Deep Tech Talent

Location: Lake Forest IL 60045 (Hybrid working)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Seniority Level: Mid‑Senior level

Job Function: Strategy/Planning and Other (Retail, Office Equipment, Repair and Maintenance, Manufacturing)

Base pay range: $/yr – $/yr

• The Senior Manager, Payroll – leads end‑to‑end payroll operations for U.S. and Canadian employees, ensuring precision, compliance, and timely execution across all payroll functions.
• Meets defined, strategic service level agreements and quality targets, while proactively identifying and executing continuous improvement opportunities to sustain and elevate performance.
• Fosters an environment where employee expectations are anticipated and consistently met with a strong focus on compliance with internal policies, key controls, and government regulations.
• Oversees a team of payroll professionals, cultivating a high‑performance culture rooted in accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence.
• Leads end‑to‑end payroll operations for U.S. and Canadian employee populations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness.
• Manages and mentors a team of payroll professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Ensures the accuracy of payroll preparation and processing, payroll accounting, tax filing and remittance, benefits maintenance, and various special payments.
• Develops payroll procedures; controls and supervises the preparation, documentation, and disbursement of payroll‑related payments.
• Navigates and understands payroll system and technology proficiently: SAP Success Factors, ECP, and PCC environments.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state/provincial, and local payroll regulations, tax laws, and internal controls.
• Collaborates with HR, Finance, Benefits, and HRIS teams to support integrations, reporting, and process enhancements.
• Addresses complex payroll issues while ensuring employee experience and operational excellence, stays current with legislative and system changes, and implements changes when necessary.

• This is a hybrid position that is onsite 2 days a week in Lake Forest.
• Role is available for relocation assistance.
• Role is eligible for an incentive plan.

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience in Business, Accounting, Human Resources, or related field preferred.
• 7+ years leading payroll teams in a multi‑country environment (U.S. and Canada) required.
• 7+ years with payroll audits, SOX controls, and process automation preferred.
• Strong hands‑on experience with SAP Success Factors, Employee Central Payroll (ECP), and Payroll Control Center (PCC).
• Solid understanding of payroll tax, benefits, and compliance requirements in both U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions.
• Proven ability to manage vendor relationships and third‑party payroll providers.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)‑APA preferred.

A reasonable, good faith anticipated base pay compensation range for this position is $ to $.

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment; 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist.
• 18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full‑time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date) and 6 company holidays per year.
• 6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required.
• Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing, and free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.
• Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non‑birth parents.

The pay range provided above is not a guarantee of compensation. The range reflects the potential base pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual base pay compensation will depend, in part, on factors such as geographic work location and relevant experience and skills.

The anticipated compensation range described above is subject to change and the compensation ultimately paid may be higher or lower than the range described above.

Organization/Company reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion at any time, consistent with applicable law.