Senior Manager, Payroll & Benefits Accounting

Job Title: Senior Manager, Payroll & Benefits Accounting
Location: Memphis, TN
Reports to: Director, Financial Reporting and Accounting

Vaco is assisting its client in its search for an experienced Senior Manager, Payroll & Benefits Accounting to establish and lead payroll and benefits accounting processes within the controllership organization. This is a newly created, high-impact individual contributor role responsible for bringing rigor, consistency, and scalability to payroll and benefits accounting across the enterprise.

The ideal candidate brings deep technical accounting expertise, strong system fluency in SAP Financials and Oracle Human Capital Management, and a demonstrated ability to build sustainable accounting processes in a complex environment.

This role will serve as the accounting subject-matter authority for payroll and benefits, partnering closely with HR Operations, Payroll COE, and site-level finance leaders to design processes, implement controls, and ensure accurate and compliant financial reporting. The ideal candidate brings deep technical accounting expertise, strong systems fluency, and a proven ability to build sustainable accounting processes within a complex organization.

• Accounting Ownership:
  • Serve as the enterprise accounting authority for payroll and benefits, providing technical guidance and resolving complex accounting matters.
  • Establish consistent accounting treatment for payroll, incentive compensation, healthcare benefits, and other employee-related programs in accordance with US GAAP and internal policy.
• Process Design & Standardization:
  • Design, document, and implement end-to-end payroll and benefits accounting processes, including policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
  • Drive standardization across business units to ensure scalable and efficient accounting practices.
• Systems & Data Integrity:
  • Own the integrity, usage, and reconciliation of payroll and benefits data and related integrations into the general ledger.
  • Ensure accurate data flow between HR, payroll, and financial systems to support reporting and compliance requirements.
• Cross-Functional Partnership:
  • Partner closely with Payroll, HR Operations, and Finance to align operational processes with accounting requirements.
  • Support planning, forecasting, and budgeting activities related to labor and benefit costs.
• Financial Close & Reporting:
  • Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities, including journal entries, reconciliations, and variance analysis.
  • Provide management insights into labor and benefit cost drivers and trends.
• Internal Controls & Compliance:
  • Develop and maintain strong internal control frameworks, ensuring SOX compliance for payroll and benefits accounting processes.
  • Maintain documentation and support testing of controls and audit readiness.
• Audit &
  
  Risk Management:
  
  
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external auditors on payroll and benefits accounting matters.
  • Address audit findings and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Continuous Improvement:
  • Lead initiatives to enhance automation, standardization, and efficiency across payroll and benefits accounting workflows.
  • Support system enhancements and integrations involving financial and HR systems.
• Strategic Support:
  • Support acquisitions, divestitures, and organizational changes impacting payroll and benefits accounting.
  • Contribute to building scalable, future-ready finance processes.

• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or equivalent certification preferred).
• Experience:
  • 7+ years of progressive experience in payroll accounting, benefits accounting, or related roles within a complex organization.
  • Experience operating in a SOX‑compliant, public company environment.
  • Proven ability to design and implement accounting processes and internal controls from the ground up.
• Skills:
  • Strong knowledge of US GAAP related to employee compensation and benefits.
  • Hands‑on experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and HR/payroll systems (e.g., Oracle HCM or similar).
  • Strong hands‑on experience with Oracle HCM, specifically payroll and benefits modules and system integrations.
  • Exceptional analytical and problem‑solving skills.
  • Strong communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Leadership and Success Attributes:
  • Trusted accounting expertise with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
  • Process‑driven mindset with the ability to balance precision with practicality.
  • Strong influencing skills and ability to partner effectively across HR, Payroll, and Finance organizations.
  • Continuous improvement orientation with an eye toward scalability and future‑ready finance operations.

• Competitive salary based on experience starting at $150,000
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, 401(k), and more
• Target incentive opportunities