Payroll Manager

Payroll Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing and executing all payroll operations to ensure employees are paid accurately, timely, and in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This position manages payroll processes, payroll records, tax reporting, 401k and profit-sharing reporting, payroll audits, and payroll system administration while maintaining strong internal controls, confidentiality, audit readiness, and regulatory compliance. Serving as the organization's payroll subject matter expert, the Payroll Manager demonstrates strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, sound judgment, and professionalism while managing payroll staff and partnering closely with Human Resources and Accounting to support organizational operations and employee payroll needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage end-to-end payroll processing for multi-state employee populations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

Supervise and support Payroll Coordinator, including training, scheduling, performance management, and workflow oversight.

Maintain expert-level knowledge of all payroll processes, procedures, controls, and system functionality.

Process and review payroll changes including new hires, terminations, promotions, deductions, garnishments, bonuses, and tax updates.

Ensure compliance with applicable wage and hour laws, payroll tax regulations, SOX/internal control requirements, and company reporting standards.

Respond to employee payroll questions and resolve payroll discrepancies in a timely and professional manner.

Reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts and partner with accounting on month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities.

Manage 401k and profit-sharing processes including timely submissions of weekly employee contributions, quarterly profit-sharing calculations, annual census preparation, and year end testing validation and match true-up calculations.

Prepare and reconcile payroll reports, payroll tax filings, quarterly reports, and year-end processing including W-2s.

Administer payroll system maintenance, testing, upgrades, and issue resolution.

Serve as primary liaison with payroll vendors, auditors, benefit providers, and internal departments.

Develop, document, maintain, and improve payroll procedures and internal controls.

Support internal/external audits and provide payroll documentation as requested.

Collaborate with HR regarding employee data integrity, benefits deductions, leave administration, and compensation changes.

Ensure confidentiality and security of payroll and employee information.

Develop and maintain payroll procedures and internal controls to improve efficiency and accuracy.

Prepare payroll reports, analytics, and ad hoc reporting for leadership as needed.

Assist with budgeting, labor reporting, and compensation-related reporting as needed.

Maintain current knowledge of payroll laws, regulations, and best practices.

Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, human resources, business administration, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.

Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive payroll experience, including multi-state payroll management responsibility.

Minimum 3-year experience supervising or leading payroll staff

Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, wage and hour compliance, and payroll best practices

Advanced experience with ADP payroll systems

Experience with payroll reconciliations, audits, and financial reporting support.

Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and payroll reporting tools.

High level of accuracy and attention to detail.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Prior experience in a publicly traded company environment

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.

Experience with payroll system implementations or upgrades.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sedentary:

Ability to sit for extended periods while working on a computer

May involve walking or standing for brief periods of time

Exerting up to 10lbs of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects including the human body

Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and electronically.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Primarily office-based work environment.

Standard business hours with occasional extended hours during payroll processing periods, audits, or year-end activities.

Frequent use of computers, payroll systems, and office equipment.

May require periodic interaction with employees, management, auditors, and external agencies.

Artesian is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.