Payroll Manager

Location: Tempe, AZ |
Schedule: Full-time, on-site

An established multi-site employer is seeking a Payroll Manager to lead accurate, timely payroll for 750+ hourly and salaried employees across multiple sites, states, and jurisdictions. This hands‑on role supervises a payroll specialist, manages payroll processes, controls, and ADP systems, and partners closely with Human Resources, Finance, and Operations to resolve issues, improve efficiency, and maintain regulatory compliance.

• Manage and oversee the end-to-end multi-site payroll process for 750+ employees, including hourly and salaried staff across multiple states and jurisdictions
• Ensure accurate calculation and processing of wages, salaries, overtime, bonuses, route pay, and deductions
• Coordinate with Transportation Management and General Managers to verify timekeeping and route pay accuracy and resolve discrepancies promptly
• Review and approve payroll batches in ADP before processing and verify accurate reflection of payroll results in the General Ledger
• Maintain payroll records and associated supporting documentation
• Process special payrolls, off‑cycle payments, and final paychecks as required
• Maintain payroll system tax settings, earning and deduction codes, General Ledger mapping, and other regulatory or technical configurations
• Communicate payroll changes and impacts to affected departments and employees; resolve payroll inquiries and discrepancies
• Support HR and management with payroll‑related reporting and data requests
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations
• Oversee accurate and timely payroll tax filings, deposits, and year‑end reporting, including Forms W‑2
• Monitor regulatory changes and implement updates to payroll policies and procedures
• Coordinate payroll‑related audits and provide requested documentation
• Lead year‑end payroll close, including reconciling final payroll data, confirming accuracy and distribution of Forms W‑2, completing system close/reset activities, and verifying final files
• Monitor and troubleshoot interfaces between payroll, HRIS, timekeeping, and accounting systems
• Lead payroll system upgrades, testing, and process improvements
• Develop and maintain payroll internal controls
• Establish and enforce payroll governance including calendars, procedures, approvals, and exception protocols
• Identify opportunities to increase efficiency through automation and process enhancements
• Partner with Accounting and Finance on payroll‑related general ledger reconciliations
• Prepare payroll accruals and support month‑end and year‑end close activities
• Partner with Accounting and Finance to ensure accurate financial reporting
• Analyze payroll trends and provide management reporting as needed

• 7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including responsibility for complex, multi‑state payroll operations
• Experience processing multi‑state payrolls
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and wage and hour requirements
• Understanding of accounting principles and general ledger reconciliations
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and organizational skills
• High level of attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred
• 2+ years of supervisory or management experience preferred
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now payroll, HRIS, and timekeeping systems preferred
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation
• Experience in manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, or distribution

This is an opportunity to take ownership of payroll operations and compliance for a large, multi‑site workforce, working closely with HR, Finance, and Operations to drive accuracy and efficiency.