Payroll Operations Manager

DaBella is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations supporting more than 2,000 employees across multiple states. This role is responsible for leading the payroll team, ensuring accurate and compliant payroll processing, and driving continuous improvement across the payroll function.

The Payroll Manager partners closely with Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, and leadership to strengthen payroll operations, improve reporting, and enhance the employee experience while maintaining the highest level of accuracy and compliance.

Essential Functions

Payroll Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop the payroll team by establishing clear expectations, promoting accountability, and supporting professional growth. 

• Foster a culture focused on accuracy, customer service, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. 

• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex payroll issues and inquiries. 

Payroll Operations

• Oversee the end-to-end biweekly payroll process for more than 2,000 employees across multiple states. 

• Ensure payroll is processed accurately, on time, and in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. 

• Manage payroll processing within Workday, including earnings, deductions, commissions, bonuses, garnishments, paid time off, and tax withholdings. 

• Review payroll data, payroll runs, and reports to identify discrepancies and ensure payroll accuracy prior to processing. 

• Maintain payroll records, reporting, and supporting documentation in accordance with company standards and regulatory requirements. 

Compliance & Reporting

• Monitor changes in payroll laws and regulations and implement process updates to maintain compliance. 

• Develop and maintain payroll reporting, audit processes, and internal controls that strengthen accuracy, visibility, accountability, and compliance. 

• Ensure compliance with company policies and applicable regulatory requirements related to payroll processing. 

Process Improvement & Partnership

• Identify and implement opportunities to improve payroll processes, reporting, internal controls, and operational efficiency. 

• Partner with Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, and leadership to improve payroll operations and support cross-functional initiatives. 

• Support ongoing optimization of Workday payroll processes and system utilization. 

• Evaluate existing payroll processes and implement practical solutions that improve efficiency, scalability, and the employee experience. 

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum of five years of payroll experience in a high-volume, multi-state environment. 

• Experience managing or overseeing payroll operations for a large, multi-state organization. 

• Knowledge of payroll laws, wage and hour regulations, payroll taxes, garnishments, and compliance requirements. 

• Experience processing payroll for large employee populations. 

• Analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail. 

• Ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and meeting established deadlines. 

• Communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective working relationships across the organization. 

• High level of professionalism, accountability, discretion, and confidentiality. 

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience with Workday Payroll. 

• Experience leading and developing a payroll team. 

• Experience improving payroll processes, reporting, and internal controls. 

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field. 

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.