Sr. Manager, Payroll

ROLE OVERVIEW

Pivot Energy is seeking an experienced, motivated, and self‑directed Senior Payroll Manager to join our fast‑growing Accounting team headquartered in Denver. This role supports both headquarters and regional offices and is primarily responsible for managing the company’s bi‑monthly, multi‑state payroll.

As a key leader within Accounting, the Senior Payroll Manager ensures payroll operations are executed accurately, on time, and in full compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour regulations. This position plays a critical role in driving operational excellence, compliance, and continuous improvement across payroll processes.

• Lead and oversee payroll operations for a multi‑state workforce, ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll‑related inquiries from leadership and employees, providing clear, timely, and effective resolution
• Partner on and oversee internal and external payroll and 401(k) audits to identify discrepancies, ensure compliance, and improve efficiency
• Evaluate payroll issues and discrepancies, determine appropriate corrective actions, and elevate matters as needed
• Lead the implementation, optimization, and continuous improvement of payroll systems and processes to enhance accuracy and efficiency
• Generate, review, and analyze payroll reports to support financial planning, compliance, and leadership decision‑making
• Lead payroll‑related communications, including training, deadlines, process updates, and policy changes
• Collaborate with company leaders to ensure consistent payroll practices and alignment with business objectives across all locations
• Analyze payroll data to identify trends, risks, discrepancies, and opportunities for improvement
• Prepare and post monthly payroll‑related journal entries; perform account reconciliations for payroll and benefit accounts in accordance with GAAP
• Support monthly accounts payable activities related to payroll, benefits, and payroll vendors

• Seven (7)+ years of Payroll management experience in a multi‑state environment
• Five (5)+ years of Accounting experience including journal entries, account reconciliations, and accounts payable
• Demonstrated expertise in payroll and accounting systems
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations
• Strong organizational, planning, and analytical skills
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• High level of integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
• Strong computer proficiency, including MS Office and Google Workspace
• Experience collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and reporting payroll data

• Experience with Paycom or similar payroll/HRIS systems
• Experience with Sage Intacct or comparable accounting systems
• Prior experience supporting payroll system implementations

$95,000 - $125,000 a year

The estimated base salary range for this position is $95,000 - $125,000, along with eligibility for the company’s substantial bonus plan, with a target bonus of 30% of annual salary (prorated in the first year based on start date). Compensation will be based on factors such as location, level, job‑related knowledge, certifications, skills, and experience.

Pivot Energy is dedicated to providing a great work experience for all employees, placing an emphasis on company culture and a focus on our people. To that end, Pivot offers an outstanding benefits package that includes:

• Excellent health/dental/vision insurance benefits with up to 100% of premiums covered by the company
• Four weeks of vacation
• Company‑paid life insurance and short‑ & long‑term disability coverage
• Generous parental leave
• 401(k) matching (after the vesting period)
• Home Office set‑up stipend for new employees
• Public transit reimbursement
• PTO for volunteering in the community
• Charitable donations matching up to $500/year
• Professional development and educational reimbursements

A complete list of all the benefits Pivot offers may be provided upon request.

At Pivot, we are proactively developing and maintaining an inclusive culture, rooted in mutual respect, that supports a workforce of different generations, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, ability statuses, religions, and cultures to work collaboratively together for greater impact. We seek to build a team that invests in relationship building, celebrates each other’s successes, and makes space for the unique contributions and working styles people bring into Pivot.

Pivot Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its workforce. We actively work to cultivate an inclusive culture that welcomes, empowers, and enables equitable career growth for employees regardless of background.