Payroll Manager

MITRE Corporation - McLean, VA

Full-time - Mid Level

McLean, VA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

At MITRE, we believe in the power of meaningful work and a fulfilling life. As a not-for-profit corporation, we are dedicated to addressing our nation's most pressing challenges without the influence of commercial conflicts. Our R&D centers operate for the government, making a significant impact in various fields such as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We strive to create a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world, and our workplace reflects our core values of diversity, inclusion, flexibility, collaboration, and career growth. We are currently seeking a dynamic Payroll Manager for our Accounting and Financial Reporting Division. This role is crucial as it involves overseeing a team of five payroll professionals and managing external relationships with ADP and PwC. The Payroll Manager will be responsible for the entire payroll process, including labor distribution, payroll account reconciliations, and various payroll reporting. Ensuring data integrity and working on system automation and integration projects will also be key responsibilities. This position reports directly to MITRE's Corporate Controller and is highly impactful for our largely US-based employee workforce, as well as expatriates and a small number of geographically dispersed employees in Singapore and Australia. The ideal candidate will possess hands-on experience and a strong understanding of U.S. payroll processes, including payroll benefits and taxes. They should be adept at using various platforms and interactive tools, with a focus on improving payroll practices while maintaining confidentiality. Candidates should be analytical, organized, and possess strong collaboration and communication skills, along with a keen attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and multitask. Embracing new technology and championing change will be essential in building a high-performing team and fostering a positive culture. This is an outstanding opportunity to work within a dynamic finance team, influencing future processes and advancing your career while playing a key role in maximizing MITRE's value to our clients and government sponsors. The position will be hybrid, based in our offices located in Tampa, FL, McLean, VA, or Bedford, MA.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for bi-weekly payroll cycle processing for 10,000+ employees (timecard entry through completion and file transmissions).
• Lead, mentor, train, and motivate team members to ensure a high level of performance of payroll team.
• Actively involved in hiring, interviewing, and selecting new team members, as well as reviewing performance and addressing actions for low performers.
• Ensure administration of payroll is timely and compliant with all applicable Federal/State laws and tax regulations.
• Prepare and/or review audit items impacting payroll (such as tax withholdings, deductions, pay calculations, retroactive transactions, year-end activities).
• Assess and manage risks and issues, spearheading the resolution of escalated payroll issues and adjustments.
• Accountable for managing vendor relationships with good, clear communications and ensuring strong collaboration between internal and external team members.
• Responsible for planning and executing analytical tasks, including documentation of business and functional requirements.
• Oversee and approve 3rd party shadow payroll processing for the delivery of the Global payroll program for Singapore and Australia.
• Drive payroll process efficiencies and improvements.
• Guide Payroll staff to analyze the current state of the payroll processes, while helping them identify pain points and offer possible solutions.
• Assist with HRIS and Payroll system automation and integration initiatives and other ad hoc projects.
• Lead the team in the full project lifecycle including Business Analysis, Functional Specification, System Configuration, Design and Testing.
• Support internal, external, Government audits including coordinating with auditors, preparing required items, investigating findings, and making recommendations as applicable.
• Participate in ad-hoc projects as they arise.

Requirements

• Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in Payroll Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field; or 8 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 5 years' experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
• 10+ years of experience handling all aspects of payroll administration in a complex organization, with Government Contracting industry experience being a bonus.
• Leadership experience, being accountable for self and ensuring quality outputs of the team and delivery efforts.
• Ability to assist with system implementations and upgrades.
• Experience with and desire to mentor and cultivate staff growth.
• Confident self-starter who can work under pressure, using their own initiative and with the drive to work to aggressive deadlines and to see tasks through to completion.
• Strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills with the ability to exercise mature judgment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to interact at all levels of the organization.
• High level of proficiency in auditing data, reconciliation and controls.
• Desire to challenge existing processes and drive forward change.
• Ability to articulate with a high level of business acumen, influence with data, respond across complex discussions, and engage with all levels in a polished and professional manner.
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Excel.

Nice-to-haves

• Previous experience with Workday, ADP Smart Compliance and/or Deltek CostPoint is a plus.
• CPP Certification is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits
• Exceptional professional development opportunities
• Culture of innovation that embraces diversity, inclusion, flexibility, collaboration, and career growth