Payroll Manager

Description We are looking for a Payroll Manager to oversee payroll operations and payroll-related accounting activities for our financial services organization in Austin, Texas. This position combines day-to-day payroll leadership with responsibility for reconciliations, journal entries, and control-focused financial accuracy. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable managing deadlines, improving workflows, and partnering with cross-functional teams to strengthen compliance and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities:

• Direct payroll processing activities from initial data review through final completion, ensuring employees are paid accurately, on schedule, and in line with applicable requirements.
• Examine payroll results before and after each cycle, investigate inconsistencies, and take corrective action to address errors or unusual variances.
• Manage payroll-related accounting tasks by preparing journal entries, accruals, and funding records that support accurate financial reporting.
• Reconcile payroll general ledger accounts each month and work through discrepancies in partnership with accounting and finance stakeholders.
• Maintain clear payroll procedures, internal controls, and supporting documentation to promote consistency and readiness for audits.
• Collaborate with HR, people leaders, and internal partners to answer payroll questions and provide guidance on payroll-related matters.
• Identify inefficiencies in current workflows and implement more scalable processes, tools, and automation to reduce manual effort and improve reliability.
• Support month-end close activities, audit requests, and reviews involving payroll, benefits, and compensation-related financial data.
• Build effective working relationships across a matrixed organization and independently drive priorities forward in a fast-paced, deadline-sensitive environment. Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• At least five years of experience spanning both payroll administration and payroll accounting responsibilities.
• Hands-on knowledge of full-cycle, multi-state payroll processing for a workforce of more than 500 employees.
• Experience preparing general ledger entries, completing account reconciliations, and partnering closely with accounting teams during close activities.
• Proficiency with ADP Workforce Now and strong spreadsheet skills, including the ability to work accurately with detailed and sensitive data.
• Demonstrated success improving processes, strengthening controls, and introducing more efficient or automated ways of working.
• Strong judgment, personal accountability, and the ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.

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