Payroll Manager

Description Company Description The Vertex Companies, LLC (Vertex) is a $180M global consulting firm that integrates strategic advisory, project management, and dispute resolution services for organizations facing complex challenges in a world of risk. We embody our core values of embracing lifelong learning, operating with urgency, maximizing value, and driving collaboration to better outcomes for our clients, colleagues, and communities. Join us if you are looking for a career that offers you a chance to love what you do and deliver meaningful impact. Job Description The Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the organization's domestic and international payroll operations, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across multiple jurisdictions. This role leads payroll administration, develops and maintains payroll processes and controls, partners with Human Resources, Finance, Tax, and external service providers, and ensures compliance with federal, state, local, and international payroll regulations. The Payroll Manager will serve as the subject matter expert for payroll systems, and support strategic initiatives related to workforce growth, acquisitions, and global expansion. Core Responsibilities Payroll Operations Manage the end-to-end payroll processing for U.S. and international employees, ensuring payroll is completed accurately and on schedule. Oversee biweekly, semi-monthly, monthly, and off-cycle payrolls as applicable. Review payroll registers, audits, reconciliations, and exception reports prior to payroll approval. Ensure proper calculation and processing of wages, bonuses, commissions, equity compensation, employee loans, and other supplemental payments. Manage payroll-related accounting activities, including accruals, reconciliations, journal entries, and general ledger interfaces. Systems Administration Serve as the primary administrator and subject matter expert for Workday payroll systems. Maintain payroll system configurations, earnings and deduction codes, tax setups, and organizational structures. Partner with HRIS and IT teams to implement system enhancements, integrations, and process improvements. Lead payroll-related testing for system upgrades, acquisitions, and organizational changes. International Payroll Manage payroll operations for employees located in multiple countries through local payroll providers and/or Employer of Record (EOR) arrangements. Ensure compliance with local payroll tax regulations, social insurance requirements, statutory benefits, and employment laws. Coordinate with external payroll providers, tax advisors, and finance teams to ensure accurate payroll reporting and funding. Monitor exchange rate impacts, global mobility considerations, and cross-border payroll requirements. Compliance & Controls Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and international payroll laws and regulations. Maintain strong internal controls and support internal and external audits. Manage payroll tax reporting, year-end filings, W-2s, 1099s, and international payroll reporting obligations. Stay current on payroll legislation, tax regulations, and industry best practices. Team Leadership Lead, mentor, and develop existing and future payroll staff. Establish performance goals, provide coaching, and support professional development. Develop and document payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls. Foster a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement. Business Partnership Partner with Human Resources, Finance, Treasury, Tax, Legal, and business leaders on payroll-related matters. Support mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and organizational restructuring activities. Provide payroll analytics, reporting, and insights to management. Assist with compensation and benefit program implementation. Qualifications & Competencies Bachelor's degree and 5 years of related experience, a Master's degree and 3 years of related experien e, or 8