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RH
Robert Half
Payroll Manager
Career Insights for Payroll Manager
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Scorecard
Based on North Carolina data
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What they do
A Payroll Manager manages payroll department operations and staff at a company or organization. Ensures that employee wages, salaries, benefits and deductions are calculated correctly, and that paychecks are distributed on time. Coordinates with human resources staff with regard to staff promotions and pay grades.
$117,390 / year median in North Carolina
-4% projected decline
Job Description
Description We are looking for a Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations for a complex healthcare organization in Durham, North Carolina. This role requires a hands-on leader who can oversee high-volume domestic and international payroll activity while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery. The ideal candidate will work closely with HR, Finance, Tax, and external partners to strengthen payroll processes, resolve issues effectively, and support a well-controlled payroll environment.
Responsibilities:
- Direct end-to-end payroll activities across multi-state and international employee populations, ensuring each pay cycle is completed accurately and on schedule.
- Review payroll records, reconciliations, and exception reports to identify discrepancies, correct errors, and maintain reliable financial reporting.
- Manage relationships with external payroll vendors and service providers to support smooth operations and consistent service quality.
- Collaborate with Human Resources, Finance, and Tax teams to address payroll impacts related to employee changes, benefits, deductions, and statutory obligations.
- Respond to escalated payroll questions and issues, providing clear guidance and timely resolution for employees and internal stakeholders.
- Maintain payroll controls and documentation to support audits, compliance requirements, and internal governance standards.
- Lead process enhancements by designing workflows, improving operating procedures, and increasing efficiency across payroll functions.
- Oversee payroll accounting activities, including balancing payroll data and supporting accurate recording in financial systems. Requirements
- At least 10 years of progressive experience in payroll, including leadership responsibility for high-volume operations.
- Demonstrated success managing full-cycle payroll for large employee populations of 500 or more.
- Experience administering payroll across multiple states, with strong knowledge of related compliance requirements.
- Practical experience supporting international payroll processing in a multi-country environment.
- Proficiency with Workday is required.
- Strong understanding of payroll audits, reconciliations, controls, and payroll-related accounting practices.
- Ability to build effective partnerships across HR, Finance, Tax, and third-party vendors.
- Proven track record of improving payroll workflows, procedures, and operational effectiveness.