Payroll Manager

Arkansas Talent Group is excited to partner with a multi-state healthcare provider based in Arkansas to help them find a Payroll Manager
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The Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing all payroll, ensuring approximately 2,300 employees are paid accurately, on time, and in full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This role leads end-to-end payroll processing, supervises payroll staff, and serves as the organizations subject-matter expert on payroll policies, tax compliance, and reporting.

Working closely with the Controller, the Payroll Manager helps implement best practices across the Accounting Department and partners with Human Resources, department leadership, Information Systems, and external vendors to ensure efficient payroll operations. The ideal candidate brings strong payroll leadership experience within a healthcare or large employer environment and has hands‑on expertise with UKG/Kronos payroll and timekeeping systems.

• Manage end-to-end biweekly payroll processing for approximately 2,300 employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
• Oversee payroll calculations including wages, overtime, premium pay, bonuses, retroactive pay, deductions, and employee terminations in coordination with Human Resources.
• Supervise, train, and support payroll staff, including a Payroll Specialist, reviewing work for accuracy and efficiency.
• Serve as the primary payroll resource for department directors and timekeepers across the organization; provide training for new timekeepers and leaders.
• Build and maintain pay codes, pay rules, premium calculations, work schedules, and business intelligence reports within UKG/Kronos.
• Respond to payroll-related inquiries and resolve discrepancies in a timely and professional manner.
• Prepare payroll-related reports for management, finance, auditors, and regulatory agencies.
• Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll laws, labor regulations, and tax reporting requirements.
• Manage payroll tax reporting and reconciliation, including responsibility for 941 and W‑2 balancing and timely payment of payroll taxes across multiple states.
• Manage payroll audits and respond to internal and external audit requests.
• Stay current on UKG payroll system updates; test changes in the UKG Development environment prior to production to ensure accuracy.
• Collaborate with Information Systems on payroll-related technology changes, testing, training, and implementation.
• Maintain payroll systems, employee records, and data integrity in accordance with regulatory and industry standards.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with Human Resources, Accounting, department leadership, cost centers, and external vendors

• Associates degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field, or equivalent hospital or large‑employer payroll experience.
• 5+ years of payroll experience, including supervisory or managerial responsibility; hospital or large employer payroll experience required.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state payroll laws, labor regulations, and payroll tax reporting, including multi‑state taxation.
• Experience with UKG (Kronos) payroll and timekeeping systems; advanced UKG knowledge preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills with the ability to manage deadlines and work independently.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) preferred.
• Competitive compensation
• Relocation assistance may be considered for out‑of‑area candidates with relevant experience
• Full healthcare benefits
• FSA
• Retirement Plan
• Generous PTO

Please directly apply or reach out to Jennifer Thompson on Linked In

Arkansas Talent Group is a Permanent Placement Recruiting Firm, all considerations will be held confidential.