Payroll Manager

Georgia Ports Authority - Savannah, GA

Full-time - Mid Level

Savannah, GA

Support Activities for Transportation

About the position

The Payroll Manager is a pivotal role within the Finance Department of the Georgia Ports Authority, located in Hutchinson Island, Savannah, GA. This position is responsible for overseeing all functions of the Payroll Office, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations related to labor and payroll statutes. The Payroll Manager promotes accuracy, reliability, timeliness, and adherence to GPA policies while conducting business with integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism. This role involves various accounting duties, including monthly closing and finance projects, and supervising the Payroll Accountant. Upholding the values of the GPA, the Payroll Manager is committed to promoting a safe work environment by participating in safety initiatives and reporting any unsafe conditions or behaviors. In this role, the Payroll Manager serves as the primary payroll contact for GPA Management and coordinates special projects with internal departments. The position requires managing a complex payroll process, acting as the primary backup to the Payroll Accountant, and preparing all compliance tax filings. The Payroll Manager is responsible for reviewing all payroll payments and calculations for miscellaneous or special pay, as well as managing the preparation of relevant management reports, including weekly, monthly, quarterly, and year-end reports. This includes gross payroll, hours worked, vacation accrual, tax deductions, and benefit deductions. The Payroll Manager also reconciles monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll reports to ensure compliance with federal and state labor and tax requirements. Additionally, the Payroll Manager acts as the primary contact with Human Resources, IT, and ADP for payroll issues, coordinating time schedules and payroll matters with timekeepers. The role involves providing guidance to management on new IRS and Department of Treasury tax and withholding laws and regulations as they pertain to the Georgia Ports Authority. The Payroll Manager reviews and approves all payroll payments and calculations, assists with month-end closing and management reports, prepares monthly and quarterly journal entries and reconciliations, and supports financial and benefit plan audits. The position may also involve working on other finance special projects as needed and performing additional duties as assigned, all while complying with GPA policies and standards.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary payroll contact for GPA Management and special projects in coordination with internal GPA departments.
• Supervise and oversee payroll functions and duties of Payroll Accountants.
• Manage complex payroll processes and serve as the primary backup to the Payroll Accountant.
• Prepare all compliance tax filings and review all payroll payments and calculations for miscellaneous/special pay.
• Manage the regular preparation of relevant management reports, including weekly, monthly, quarterly, and year-end reports.
• Reconcile monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll reports for federal and state labor and tax requirements.
• Act as the primary contact with Human Resources, IT, and ADP for payroll issues.
• Coordinate time schedules and payroll issues with timekeepers.
• Provide guidance to management on new IRS and Department of Treasury tax and withholding laws and regulations.
• Review and approve all payroll payments and calculations for all payrolls.
• Assist with month-end closing and management reports.
• Prepare monthly/quarterly journal entries and reconciliations.
• Support financial and benefit plan audits.
• Work on other finance special projects as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned and comply with all policies and standards.

Requirements

• Knowledge of general accounting principles and payroll practices required.
• Ability to understand accounting systems.
• Proficient in MS Office (especially Excel) and SAP.
• Extensive knowledge of ADP strongly desired.
• Working experience in payroll tax at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Ability to manage and lead staff.
• Must be a team player.
• Ability to deal effectively and professionally with GPA staff at all levels, as well as customers and the general public.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in tax-related functions.
• Knowledge of payroll compliance regulations.