Manager of Payroll

PLS Financial Services - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Manager

Chicago, IL

101-250 employees

Credit Intermediation and Related Activities

About the position

The Manager of Payroll is responsible for overseeing and managing the payroll functions of PLS Financial Services, ensuring timely and accurate pay for approximately 3,500 employees across multiple states. This role involves collaboration with internal partners and external vendors to standardize processes, drive efficiency, and ensure compliance with various regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the preparation and production of weekly and bi-weekly payroll for approximately 3,500 employees across multiple states.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of payroll processes by establishing and implementing an auditing and quality control process.
• Provide accurate, real-time data to the Operations Leadership Team to enable strategic decision-making.
• Prepare payroll posting files and support the accounting department in reconciling payroll accounts.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws utilizing best practices.
• Lead a high-performing team with a focus on exceptional customer service and quality results.
• Act as the subject matter expert and stay current on payroll systems, regulations, and labor laws impacting the payroll process.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and lead payroll optimization projects.
• Monitor changes in regulatory requirements and internal policy changes, partnering cross-functionally to determine if payroll processes need to be updated.
• Ensure accuracy of W-2s and analyze workflow process gaps, proactively recommending solutions and implementing improvements.
• Support audits such as 401(k) audits, workers' compensation audits, and internal audits.
• Create and maintain process documentation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve payroll and timekeeping system issues promptly.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field required.
• 10+ years of experience in payroll operations across multiple states, including New York, California, Illinois, and Massachusetts.
• Experience with UKG (formerly known as UltiPro) and Workforce Management (formerly known as Kronos) highly preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in managing and motivating direct reports and teams.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, positive attitude, flexibility, and willingness to learn new proficiencies and systems.
• Expertise in payroll and tax regulations at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Ability to develop, improve, document and provide high-quality deliverables.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to proactively identify and implement effective solutions.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or equivalent certification preferred.
• Experience leading payroll and timekeeping system implementations, integrations, and upgrades with strong project management skills.
• Ability to streamline payroll processes and drive operational improvements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze payroll data and make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and senior leadership.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build relationships with internal and external partners and business leaders across the organization.
• Ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with confidential matters.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with payroll system implementations and upgrades.
• Project management experience.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401k
• Vacation
• Opportunities for advancement
• Ongoing training