Payroll Manager

We are looking for an experienced Payroll Manager to oversee payroll operations for a Contract position based in Waltham, Massachusetts. This role will guide accurate and compliant payroll delivery across a diverse employee population while strengthening processes, systems, and team capability. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, deep multi-state payroll expertise, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional partners.

Responsibilities:

• Direct full-cycle payroll administration across multiple states for hourly, salaried, union, and non-union
• Supervise, mentor, and develop payroll staff while building team versatility through training and shared knowledge.
• Safeguard payroll accuracy by enforcing tax requirements, wage and hour regulations, collective bargaining obligations, and internal standards.
• Oversee payroll tax activities, including filings, account reconciliations, year-end processing, and required government reporting.
• Maintain strong payroll controls, organized documentation, and readiness for internal and external audit reviews.
• Work closely with Finance to resolve General Ledger items, investigate variances, and support month-end and period-end close activities.
• Administer payroll platforms, HRIS and timekeeping integrations, vendor relationships, and system enhancement efforts, including automation and implementation support.
• Partner with cross functional teams to address payroll impacts, improve service delivery, and resolve employee issues.
• Track payroll performance, identify process improvement opportunities, and implement operational changes that increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business, or a related discipline, or comparable relevant experience.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible payroll experience, including prior leadership of a payroll team.
• Demonstrated success managing high-volume, multi-state payroll for both hourly and salaried workforces; union or manufacturing environment experience is a plus.
• Strong understanding of payroll taxation, garnishments, year-end payroll activities, payroll accounting, and applicable labor regulations.
• Hands-on experience with enterprise payroll systems, HRIS platforms, and timekeeping tools, including UKG Pro or UKG Ready.
• Advanced Excel skills with the ability to analyze data, perform reconciliations, and support payroll reporting needs.
• Background in payroll process optimization, systems implementation, integrations, and workflow automation.
• Sound judgment with a high degree of discretion, confidentiality, and integrity; CPP certification is preferred.