Temporary Payroll Manager

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Temporary Payroll Manager based in the United States. We are seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Temporary Payroll Manager to oversee end-to-end payroll operations for a workforce of more than 500 employees. In this hands-on role, you will ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing while managing multi-state tax registrations, reconciliations, and year-end activities. You will play a key role in transitioning payroll operations from UKG to Rippling, helping validate data, test payroll results, and establish reliable processes. You will also support the closure of a former business entity across multiple states, working closely with Finance on final remittances and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate is comfortable working independently, handling confidential information, and meeting strict deadlines in a changing environment. This temporary assignment runs from October 26, 2026, through January 31, 2027, offering an opportunity to make an immediate impact on critical payroll operations.

Manage end-to-end payroll processing: Run all payroll cycles for more than 500 employees in UKG, from data collection and transaction entry through review, approval, and funding. Maintain accurate payroll records: Process new hires, terminations, compensation changes, bonuses, commissions, incentives, deductions, garnishments, and off-cycle payments while keeping employee tax, direct deposit, and pay information up to date. Ensure payroll accuracy and compliance: Prepare pre- and post-payroll audits, analyze variance reports, investigate discrepancies, and process manual and final paychecks in accordance with applicable state requirements. Provide payroll support: Respond promptly and accurately to employee and manager inquiries while protecting sensitive payroll information. Oversee payroll tax registrations and reconciliations: Manage state and local tax account registrations, updates, filings, and agency correspondence. Reconcile payroll tax liabilities and payments against payroll registers and agency records, resolving notices, penalties, and discrepancies. Support year-end activities: Assist with fourth-quarter and year-end close processes, including W-2 preparation and review. Contribute to the payroll system transition: Support the implementation of Rippling, including parallel payroll runs, data gathering and migration, employee record validation, earnings and deduction mapping, tax setup verification, and year-to-date balance reconciliation. Test and document new processes: Compare Rippling payroll results against UKG outputs, maintain registrations across both systems during the transition, document updated workflows and controls, and support the January transition of power of attorney (POA) and third-party administrator (TPA) responsibilities to Rippling. Support former entity closure: Coordinate multi-state payroll tax account closures and final filings, collaborate with Finance on outstanding payments and remittances, monitor closure progress, and escalate unresolved issues or risks. Requirements Professional experience: 5–10 years of progressive payroll experience, including hands-on responsibility for end-to-end payroll processing for 500 or more employees. Payroll systems expertise: Demonstrated experience processing payroll in UKG, preferably UKG Pro. Multi-state payroll knowledge: Strong experience with state and local payroll tax registrations, filings, reconciliations, and compliance requirements. Regulatory expertise: Working knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including state-specific final-pay requirements. Reconciliation and auditing skills: Proven ability to reconcile payroll registers, tax filings, payments, and general ledger entries accurately. Advanced Excel proficiency: Strong command of Excel, including VLOOKUPs and pivot tables, for payroll audits, data validation, and reconciliations. Attention to detail and discretion: Excellent organizational skills, sound judgment when handling confidential employee data, and a commitment to accuracy. Independent execution: Ability to take ownership of payroll operations from day one, prioritize competing tasks, and consistently meet fixed payroll deadlines. Adaptability and collaboration: Comfortable navigating system changes, troubleshooting issues, and partnering effectively with Finance and other stakeholders. Preferred qualifications: Experience implementing or converting payroll systems, particularly Rippling, and familiarity with closing business entities and terminating payroll tax accounts across multiple states. Benefits Compensation: Competitive annualized salary range of $85,000–$90,000 USD. Retirement and financial benefits: 401(k) plan and corporate annual profit-sharing program. Healthcare coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, prescription drug coverage, and access to Teladoc. Health and spending accounts: Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). Time off and holidays: Paid time off (PTO), 10 company holidays, and bereavement leave. Insurance and disability protection: Life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage. Family support: Parental medical leave and child bonding leave. Additional perks: Employee discounts. Remote work: Remote position based in the United States.