Payroll Manager

• Location: Austin, Texas
• Type: Dallas:Fin/Acct/HR:Direct Hire
• Job #10254

10254: Position Summary
The Payroll Manager is responsible for the end-to-end payroll function for a multi-entity financial services organization and supports payroll operations across a network of independently governed affiliates. Collectively, the organization and affiliates span over 220 locations and support approximately 1,900 employees.
This role oversees payroll operations delivered through a third-party payroll service provider, which owns the underlying system infrastructure, including the payroll platform (Oracle-based) and related system interfaces. The Payroll Manager collaborates closely with affiliate teams, internal stakeholders, and the payroll service provider to ensure accurate payroll processing, compliance, controls, reporting, and general ledger (GL) reconciliation. This role is also instrumental in supporting the organization’s potential transition to a new payroll platform in the future.

Key Responsibilities
Payroll Operations & Compliance

• Manage accurate, timely payroll processing for the enterprise and support payroll operations across multiple affiliated entities.
• Ensure payroll activities adhere to internal policies and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Provide guidance, training, and issue resolution to affiliate payroll teams to enhance their operational self-sufficiency.
• Maintain documented payroll processes and internal controls for both the core organization and its affiliates.
• Partner with the Payroll Accountant to support accurate GL reconciliation of payroll accounts and resolution of any discrepancies.
• Oversee payroll tax reporting and filings conducted by the payroll service provider or internal teams, escalating issues as needed.

Vendor & System Oversight

• Serve as the main point of contact with the third-party payroll service provider regarding system functionality, payroll processing, and configuration issues.
• Manage issue tracking, escalation, and resolution related to system performance or payroll errors.
• Collaborate with the service provider and internal teams to improve system reliability, reporting capabilities, and automation.
• Support planning and execution for a potential future payroll platform migration, including system readiness and process documentation.
• Coordinate payroll system testing related to updates, fixes, and functionality changes.

Financial & Accounting Collaboration

• Work with the Accounting Team to ensure accurate posting of payroll-related GL entries and reconciliation of variances.
• Maintain documentation and internal controls for payroll inputs, outputs, and GL workflows in alignment with ICFR standards.
• Deliver timely reports and analysis for audit support, internal reviews, and financial leadership needs.

Process Improvement & Risk Mitigation

• Identify and lead improvements to enhance accuracy, reduce manual errors, and streamline payroll operations.
• Conduct root cause analysis of payroll issues and implement corrective action in partnership with internal and external teams.
• Maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training resources to support consistent execution.
• Develop affiliate payroll teams through training and documentation to mitigate risk.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner across HR, Accounting, IT, Legal, and affiliate leadership to deliver seamless and compliant payroll services.
• Represent Payroll in projects involving system changes, compliance enhancements, and operational improvements.
• Contribute to enterprise-wide initiatives involving systems, process redesign, and control framework updates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field or at least 5 years of direct payroll accounting experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive payroll experience, ideally with large, multi-entity, or decentralized organizations.
• Experience working with third-party payroll providers; familiarity with Oracle or comparable systems required.
• Strong understanding of payroll-related general ledger functions, reconciliations, and internal control frameworks.
• Proven ability to manage vendors, resolve complex issues, and implement process improvements.
• Solid knowledge of payroll tax laws, labor compliance, and ICFR standards.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work across independent teams and various levels of leadership.
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification preferred.

Success Factors

• Proactive and continuous improvement mindset with a focus on eliminating process gaps.
• Effective in navigating complex environments involving independent affiliates and evolving requirements.
• Exercises sound judgment and escalation practices to mitigate risk.
• Committed to data accuracy, timeliness, and strong internal control posture.
• Builds trusted relationships with both internal stakeholders and external service providers.
• Comfortable adapting to change, including system transitions and organizational transformation efforts.