Manager, Payroll

Payroll Manager

Reports To:

Corporate Controller

Position Location:

Vernon Hills, IL – Hybrid (T/W/Th)

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Position Summary:

We are seeking a hands-on Payroll Manager to own the payroll function for a growing Private-Equity backed organization. This role is responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of multi-state and Canadian payroll, supported by ADP, while serving as the primary liaison between employees, management, HR, finance and accounting. The position will also ensure payroll-related journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and necessary financial reporting support are completed accurately and on schedule.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for Canadian and multi-state U.S. employees using ADP Workforce Now (or equivalent ADP platform). This includes:
• Full biweekly payroll cycle (prepare, audit, adjust, reconcile, stop payment, manuals, one-off runs).
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
• Monitor and reconcile ADP changes (new hires, terms, promotions, tax changes).
• Manage adjustments, prepare analytics, review metrics and submit pay files to ADP.
• File tax reports, voluntary deduction reports, and process involuntary deductions (levies, jurisdictions, and garnishments) and completing surveys as required.
• Response to payroll related inquiries from employees, management and regulators.
• Manage time and attendance process with managers, including the resolution of exceptions.
• Work with HR to ensure accurate pay codes and proper deductions/ reporting for benefit programs.
• Work with ADP to manage state/local withholding changes and the resolution of any errors.
• Manage and reconcile the funding of benefit accounts (401k, HAS, FSA, RRSP, etc.)
• Owns quarterly and year-end payroll activities, including W-2 / T-4 forms, payroll tax reconciliations, regulatory reporting, etc.
• Serve as subject matter expert for payroll policies, procedures, and system administration.
• Stay current on legislative and industry changes that affect payroll operations globally.
• Train Sr. Accounting backup processor and ensure ongoing re-training and validation.
• Maintain strong payroll controls and segregation of duties in compliance with company policies and audit requirements.
• Lead payroll due diligence activities for acquisitions and divestitures. This includes internal control and process review, tax registrations & compliance review, system integration, etc.
• Prepare, review, and validate payroll-related journal entries, accruals, reclasses, etc.
• Reconcile payroll-related balance sheet accounts including accrued wages, payroll taxes, bonus accruals, PTO / vacation liabilities, employee benefit liabilities, 401(k) and retirement plan obligations
• Support the FP&A team in the preparation of budgets and forecasts as required.
• Assist with ACA, benefits, and 401K audits and other regulatory audits as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements /

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field; or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years' progressive payroll experience managing a comprehensive payroll process with 3+ as a manager or supervisor.
• Must have the Certified Payroll Professional (CCP) certification.
• Extensive experience processing payroll through ADP Workforce Now or similar payroll platforms.
• Experience with multi-state Payrolls and both exempt and non-exempt employees; experience with international Payroll is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of payroll accounting, general ledger processes, and month-end close activities.
• Experience preparing payroll journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and variance analyses.
• Strong understanding of payroll tax regulations and compliance requirements.
• Exposure to various accounting software packages with at least an intermediate knowledge of Excel.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with different levels of management within the organization and to interact well with financial teams at other locations.
• Ability to develop and document policies and procedures, and to explain findings of analysis to others.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, efficiently works under pressures, within deadlines or other time essential constraints.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary Range: $100,000-$120,000, depending on location, experience, and qualifications.
• Annual-Incentive Plan (AIP): 5%
• Benefits coverage begins on the first day of employment, including the following:
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) company match
• Paid Time Off (15 days annually)
• Paid Holiday time (10 company-designated holidays)
• Tuition Assistance
• Additional benefits available with company package
• This position has not been approved for Relocation Assistance.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.