Payroll Manager

Job Title: Payroll Manager (standalone)

Location: Manhattan, New York

Position Type: Permanent

Schedule: Hybrid (2 days onsite/week)

Position Summary

The Payroll Manager oversees biweekly, multi-state payroll for 500+ employees and ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll administration. The role serves as a key resource for payroll, compensation, tax, and employee inquiries while supporting reporting, reconciliations, and related HR functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage biweekly multi-state payroll, including earnings, deductions, bonuses, time-off, adjustments, and retroactive payments.
• Maintain employee and payroll data within the HRIS/payroll system.
• Review timekeeping, audit payroll, and resolve discrepancies.
• Coordinate payroll taxes, garnishments, tax jurisdictions, and required filings.
• Complete payroll reconciliations, W-2s, government reporting, and other compliance requirements.
• Respond to employee and management payroll questions and provide guidance on policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidential payroll records and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Partner with HR leadership and payroll providers on policies, processes, and payroll-related matters.
• Support select HR activities, including employment verifications, leaves, terminations, unemployment matters, and I-9 documentation.
• Assist with special projects and process improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of multi-state payroll experience; CPP certification preferred.
• Strong knowledge of payroll processing, taxation, compliance, and reconciliations.
• Experience with HRIS/payroll systems and strong Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage confidential information and multiple deadlines.
• Experience in higher education, healthcare, nonprofit, or a similarly complex environment preferred.