Payroll Support Manager

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Payroll Support Manager based in the United States. This role offers an opportunity to strengthen payroll operations, improve system performance, and ensure accurate, compliant, and efficient payroll service delivery within a high-volume organization. As Payroll Support Manager, you will oversee complex payroll issue resolution, support technology enhancements, and drive continuous improvements across payroll and timekeeping processes. You will collaborate with HRIS, IT, Finance, Tax, Compliance, and external vendors to maintain data integrity, strengthen internal controls, and address operational challenges. Using advanced reporting and analytics tools, you will identify trends, investigate discrepancies, and translate payroll data into actionable recommendations. You will also support audits, system implementations, automation initiatives, and organizational changes while helping colleagues develop their payroll expertise. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented, technology-driven professional who combines strong analytical skills with collaborative leadership and a commitment to operational excellence.

Payroll Operations and Issue Resolution: Manage complex payroll issues and escalations, ensuring timely, accurate, and effective resolutions. Monitor payroll support tickets and service-level agreements (SLAs), identify recurring problems, and implement sustainable solutions that improve employee satisfaction. Payroll Systems and Technology: Support payroll system upgrades, enhancements, integrations, testing, and implementations. Partner with HRIS, IT, Finance, and external vendors to troubleshoot technical issues, improve functionality, and maintain accurate payroll and timekeeping data. Compliance and Internal Controls: Maintain payroll controls, compliance procedures, and audit-ready documentation. Identify regulatory risks, process gaps, and control weaknesses, implementing corrective actions to strengthen accuracy and accountability. Audit and Reconciliation Support: Coordinate payroll reporting, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for internal and external audits. Collaborate with Finance, Tax, Compliance, and Internal Audit to meet applicable regulatory and reporting requirements. Process Improvement and Automation: Identify opportunities to improve payroll accuracy, streamline workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and reduce manual processing. Analyze operational data and processes to uncover inefficiencies and recommend practical improvements. Project Coordination: Support payroll-related system implementations, acquisitions, integrations, and organizational changes. Develop and maintain standardized procedures, workflows, and process documentation to promote consistency and scalability. Reporting and Analytics: Use advanced Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and other reporting tools to analyze payroll metrics, investigate discrepancies, monitor performance, and support data-driven decisions. Performance and Vendor Management: Track service levels, operational performance, and vendor effectiveness. Communicate payroll risks, emerging trends, project updates, and improvement recommendations to leadership. Team Collaboration and Development: Build strong working relationships across Payroll and Timekeeping. Provide guidance, training, and practical support to colleagues on payroll processes, systems, and best practices. Requirements Education: A bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field is preferred. Professional Experience: At least five years of payroll operations experience, preferably in a high-volume, multi-state environment. Payroll Expertise: Strong knowledge of payroll operations, timekeeping systems, compliance requirements, internal controls, reporting, and audit processes. Systems and Technical Skills: Experience with payroll systems, system enhancements, integrations, testing, and reporting. The ability to troubleshoot technical issues and maintain data accuracy is essential. Advanced Analytics: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Power BI, including data analysis, reporting, and automation. Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to resolve complex payroll escalations, identify recurring issues, analyze trends, and implement effective process improvements. Compliance and Risk Management: Understanding of payroll controls, audit readiness, documentation standards, and regulatory requirements. Project and Change Support: Experience supporting payroll-related projects, system implementations, process changes, or operational improvements. Communication and Collaboration: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across departments, coordinate with external partners, and communicate complex information clearly. Organization and Prioritization: Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines. Leadership and Training: Previous experience leading projects, mentoring colleagues, or delivering employee training is preferred. Professional Certification: Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation is a plus. Physical Requirements: Ability to remain seated or in a stationary position for extended periods and communicate clearly to exchange information. Travel: Willingness to travel up to 10% based on business needs. Benefits Annual Salary: $85,000–$123,000, depending on qualifications, experience, and applicable compensation considerations. Healthcare Coverage: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance. Retirement Planning: Access to a 401(k) retirement plan. Paid Time Off: Paid time off and holidays. Employee Well-Being: Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives. Work-Life Balance: Flexible options designed to support personal well-being and a balanced lifestyle. Professional Development: Opportunities to build expertise in payroll systems, analytics, compliance, automation, and process improvement through cross-functional collaboration. Work Environment: A collaborative role working with payroll specialists, technology teams, finance professionals, compliance partners, and external vendors. Location and Work Arrangement: The position is listed in Columbus, Ohio. Remote or hybrid flexibility is not specified in the available job description and should be confirmed during recruitment.