Payroll Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Payroll Manager oversees all payroll operations for a 250+ employee professional services organization, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across multiple states. This role requires a high level of precision, service orientation, and the ability to operate within a billable-hour, project-driven environment. The Payroll Manager partners closely with HR, Operations, and department leaders to support compensation programs, timekeeping accuracy, and firm-wide operational efficiency.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage end-to-end biweekly and monthly payroll processing for exempt, non-exempt, hourly, and project-based staff.
• Oversee the integrity of timekeeping data tied to client billing, project tracking, and overtime compliance.
• Review, reconcile, and validate payroll data including hours, salaries, bonuses, incentives, deductions, garnishments, and benefit contributions.
• Process off-cycle payments, corrections, and adjustments as needed.
• Maintain payroll schedules, deadlines, and process documentation.
• Ensure compliance with multi-state payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, and firm policies.
• Oversee payroll tax filings, W-2s, and year-end reporting, coordinate with external payroll tax partners when applicable.
• Monitor regulatory updates impacting professional services (FLSA, job classifications, exempt status, salary thresholds).
• Maintain strong internal controls to ensure audit readiness and data accuracy.
• Administer payroll and timekeeping systems (e.g., ADP, Paycom, UKG, Workday, Deltek/Unanet integrations).
• Ensure seamless data flow between HRIS, billing/project management systems, and accounting.
• Lead system updates, troubleshooting, and enhancements to support the firm's operational goals.
• Identify opportunities for automation and process improvements in payroll, timekeeping, and reporting.
• Serve as the firm's primary payroll subject matter expert and point of contact for employee inquiries.
• Provide guidance on compensation structures, earnings codes, and time-entry procedures.
• Offer training and support to managers and employees on payroll policies, timekeeping expectations, and system use.
• Supervise payroll support staff or functionally lead payroll contributors across HR or Finance teams.
• Partner with HR and Finance leaders on forecasting, compensation planning, benefits administration, and budgeting.
• Support internal and external audits, including financial, benefits, and compliance audits.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES)

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field (preferred).
• 5+ years of payroll experience, with at least 2 years in a payroll leadership or management role.
• Experience in professional services (engineering, architecture, consulting, legal, accounting, etc.) strongly preferred.
• Multi-state payroll experience required; experience with project-based timekeeping ideal.
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification is a plus.
• Strong understanding of payroll laws, multi-state regulations, and professional services billing environments.
• High proficiency in payroll systems and HRIS platforms (e.g., ADP, UKG, Paycom, Workday, Deltek/Unanet).
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, especially in reconciling complex time/earnings data.
• Excellent communication and customer service abilities.
• Ability to handle confidential information professionally.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Substantial movements (motion) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers in a repetitive manner
• Manual dexterity sufficient to reach/handle items and work with the fingers
• Close vision (Clear vision at 20 inches or less); distance vision. (Clear vision at 20 feet or more); color vision (Ability to identify and distinguish colors)
• Continuous sitting, standing, walking, using stairs, hearing, talking, bending, crouching, and working closely with others
• Exerting up to 50 pounds (up to 100 pounds via dolly) of force occasionally to lift, carry, pull, or move objects

BENEFITS OF JOINING AG&E

• Competitive salary
• 2 Performance Bonuses per year
• Dental, Vision, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability benefits covered at no cost to the employee
• 19 days of time off per year