Payroll Operations Manager

Payroll Operations Manager
Payroll Operations Manager
Accounting & Finance
WA - Seattle
Build the future, spark innovation, and align your career with purpose.
At McKinstry, we're innovating the waste and climate harm out of the built environment and creating lasting impact. Together, we're building a thriving planet. Buildings are a leading contributor to the climate crisis, generating nearly 40% of total global energy-related carbon emissions. We're making a lasting impact on our industry and within ourmunities by addressing the climate, affordability and equity crises through:
renewables and energy services
engineering and design
construction and facility services
To get w we're going, we need big thinkers, problem solvers and collaborative mindsets. Does that sound like you?
The Opportunity with McKinstry
We are looking for a Payroll Operations Manager to own the high-velocity execution of our weekly construction payroll. ing directly to the Director of Payroll, you will have the autonomy to build, refine, and improve the processes required to manage elevatedplexity with precision.
This isn't just about managing a cycle, it's about building a scalable framework in a fast-moving,plex environment. We provide dedicated support and funding for continuous education and professional certification to help you succeed.
Why Join Us? We are a people-firstanization that treats payroll as a critical professional discipline, not a back-office afterthought. We are apany that promotes from within and invests heavily in our people. We don't just value your technical expertise—we promote and invest in it. If you are a process-driven leader who thrives in a fast-moving environment and wants a culture that actually respects the craft of payroll, let's talk.
What You'll Do
Oversee Complex Payroll Operations
Manage weekly payroll processing across multiple states, including union and non-union employees. Ensurepliance with collective bargaining agreements, wage and hour regulations, and jurisdictional requirements.
Drive Process Improvement and Innovation
Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency, strengthen controls, and improve accuracy. Implement technology-driven solutions and scalable processes that align payroll operations with evolving business needs.
Lead and Develop a High-Performing Payroll Team
Drive team performance through coaching, mentorship, and clear expectations. Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture that emphasizes accountability, accuracy, and continuous development.
Partner Across the Organization
Collaborate closely with HR, Finance, Legal, and operational teams to ensure payroll practices support broader business strategies,pliance requirements, and workforce planning initiatives.
Ensure Compliance and Audit Excellence
Maintain audit readiness through strong controls and documentation. Monitor regulatory changes and ensurepliance with federal, state, and local laws, as well as union contract obligations.
What You Need to Succeed
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)
5+ years of multi-state payroll experience (union payroll experience preferred)
2+ years of people leadership experience
Deep knowledge of wage and hourpliance and multi-state payroll regulations
Strong understanding of collective bargaining agreements and union payroll rules is highly preferred
Experience with large-scale HCM/ERP systems (e.g., Workday, ADP, UKG, Oracle, Microsoft 365)
Strong background in payroll accounting, financial reporting, reconciliations, and audit processes
Experience driving process improvement and implementing payroll best practices
Strong analytical skills to identify trends, issues, and opportunities
Current CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) designation preferred; if not currently held, a willingness to obtain certification withpany support is required.
PeopleFirst Benefits
When ites to the basics, we have you covered:
Competitive pay
401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan
Paid time off and holidays
Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out of pocket maximums
Peoplee first at McKinstry, and we go beyond the basic benefits with:
Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance
Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave
Transgender inclusive benefits
Commuter benefits
Pet insurance
"Building Good" paidmunity service time
Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University
McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers
See benefit plan documents forplete details.
If you're driven by our vision to build a thriving planet together, McKinstry is the place to build your career.
The pay range for this position is $89,010 - $151,300 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A bonus may be provided as part of thepensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location.
The McKinstry group ofpanies are equal opportunity employers. We aremitted to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, color, creed, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to employment, advancement, assignment, and training. Thismitment to Equal Employment Opportunity is made equally as a social responsibility and as an economic and business necessity.
McKinstry is a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol test,plying with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act and a Confidentiality Agreement, in addition to successful oues of background and reference checks.
Applicants for this role will only be considered if they possess current US Work Authorization, and do not require employer-sponsored VISA support to begin or remain in this role. #LI-DB1