Senior Manager, Payroll

About the Team

Our Human Resources team defies all conventional expectations and is a business-connected solutions provider. The work we do directly aligns with the company's core areas of focus, and we ensure that associates and leaders are ready to support those strategic objectives. Our HR team is comprised of different departments, including Talent Acquisition, HR business partners, Learning & Development, Compensation & Benefits, and Shared Services.

We enable meaningful careers for all and build our Associate Workplace Experience!

About the Location

Collaborative Work Environment:

At Pet Smart, teamwork and connection are core to how we thrive. This role is based at our Phoenix Home Office, with an expectation of working a minimum of four days in the office each week. In a standard work week, associates may work up to one remote "flex day" (with leader approval). Our hybrid approach is designed to foster strong collaboration while also supporting flexibility and individual success.

About the Job

This role is crucial in managing payroll processes and ensuring compliance with the law and government regulations (e.g., OT, final pay, wage and hour).

Responsibilities

* Maintains exemplary confidentiality, sensitivity, and data security standards for all payroll-related information

* Manages the full cycle payroll process for North America, including payroll tax reporting, compliance, and remittance

* Provides oversight and direction for the overall payroll function to ensure accurate and timely delivery of payroll services

* Drives best practices and process optimization as the subject matter expert in payroll projects, including documentation and improvements

* Drives and participates in payroll testing as part of run-the-business and projects

* Ensures internal and external audits and reconciliations align with policies, procedures, and legal standards

* Guides, coaches, mentors, and develops payroll staff

* Oversees and partners with external vendors involved in payroll processing

* Builds partnerships with internal and external payroll stakeholders to define and develop successful, scalable processes and practices

* Leads internal controls and documentation in accordance with SOX

* Ensures that payroll records and information are maintained in accordance with statutory requirements

* Provides excellent customer service and support to address pay-related inquiries and concerns

* Stays up to date on payroll regulations, tax laws, and industry trends, implementing necessary changes to ensure compliance and best practices

Qualifications

* 10+ years of cumulative experience with U.S. and Canada hourly and salaried payroll processing in multi-state and multi-entity environments; additional countries a plus

* Knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations and tax laws

* Experience with payroll tax filings and reporting to appropriate agencies

* 5+ years of people management experience

* Must have strong problem-solving skills be able to maintain absolute confidentiality

* Have exceptional attention to detail

* Thrives in working in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment

* Strong communication skills

* CPP certification preferred

* Payroll processing system understanding, SAP preferred

* Advanced proficiency in Excel and other Microsoft Office products

* Demonstrated ability to prioritize and meet deadlines

* Proven experience in designing, implementing, and continuously optimizing payroll processes and internal controls

* Union dues processing preferred

* Commission-based pay preferred

* Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, or finance

Additional Job Considerations

* This role requires collaboration, teamwork, and face-to-face interaction with colleagues, leaders, and/or clients.

* Being in the office ensures access to leaders, cross-functional partners, and resources necessary to make timely decisions and drive results.

* On-site presence in accordance with our Flex Smart policy supports our culture of innovation, mentorship, and engagement, which is integral to our success in developing the best team.

* This is not intended to be an all-inclusive, exhaustive list of all essential job functions for this…