Payroll Manager

Description Location:

Hybrid (3 days onsite / 2 days remote)

Employment Type:

Contract-to-Hire (3-6 months) About the Opportunity Our client, a well-established financial services organization, is seeking a Senior Payroll Manager to join their team on a contract-to-hire basis. This is a high-impact, highly visible role supporting a complex, multi-entity environment with direct exposure to executive leadership. This position is ideal for someone who brings both a strong accounting foundation and deep payroll expertise, with experience operating in larger, structured organizations and implementing best-in-class practices. Position Overview The Senior Payroll Manager will oversee payroll accounting, compliance, and quality control across multiple entities. This role will ensure the integrity of payroll-related financial data, strengthen controls, and elevate processes through standardization and automation. This is not a transactional payroll role. The ideal candidate will operate as a strategic leader, bringing structure, accountability, and a clear "what good looks like" mindset to the function. Key Responsibilities + Oversee payroll accounting, including reconciliations and general ledger tie-outs + Lead compliance and quality control across all payroll-related processes + Perform pre-payroll validations and post-payroll reconciliation reviews + Ensure accurate data flow into the system of record (Oracle environment) + Analyze payroll data and investigate variances with a strong "tie-out" mindset + Partner with external payroll processing providers (ADP environment) to validate accuracy and completeness + Support multiple payroll input streams across various entities + Drive process improvements, automation initiatives, and standardization efforts + Establish and implement best-in-class payroll and payroll accounting practices + Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams and leadership stakeholders + Provide insights and recommendations to improve controls, compliance, and reporting accuracy Required Qualifications + Strong background in accounting + payroll (must have both) + Proven experience in payroll accounting, not just payroll processing + Hands-on experience working within an ADP payroll environment + Advanced account reconciliation skills with the ability to trace and explain variances + Experience working in a large, complex organization with multiple entities or data streams + Demonstrated ability to implement best practices, controls, and process improvements + Strong understanding of payroll compliance and internal controls + Ability to interact confidently with senior leadership, including CFO-level stakeholders + Analytical, detail-oriented, and naturally curious Requirements + CPA and/or CPP strongly preferred + Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field required + Open to candidates with a combination of accounting education, payroll certification (CPP), and/or equivalent hands-on experience + Experience with automation, system optimization, or process transformation initiatives Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app) and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more. All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information. © 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking "," you're agreeing to Robert Half's Terms of Use (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms) and Privacy Notice (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/privacy) .