Payroll Manager
Location: Charlotte, NC (Fully Onsite)
Status: ExemptAbout the Opportunity
A growing organization is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead and oversee all payroll operations across a multi-state workforce. This is a highly visible position that will play a key role in strengthening payroll processes, supporting an upcoming system implementation, establishing standard operating procedures, and helping build scalable infrastructure for a rapidly expanding business. This role is ideal for a hands-on payroll leader who enjoys both strategic process improvement and day-to-day payroll execution. As a smaller organization, the Payroll Manager will maintain direct ownership of the full payroll cycle while also providing leadership to the payroll function. The position is fully onsite and will require a strong commitment during the initial transition and growth phase. Candidates should be comfortable working beyond a standard 40-hour workweek when business needs dictate.
Key Responsibilities:
Manage end-to-end payroll processing for a multi-state employee population, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely payroll delivery.
Serve as the primary payroll subject matter expert for the organization.
Lead payroll administration for both union and non-union employee groups, including interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreement requirements.
Review and approve payroll transactions including earnings, deductions, overtime, reimbursements, bonuses, garnishments, and off-cycle payments.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, payroll tax requirements, and other applicable employment regulations.
Oversee payroll reconciliations, quarter-end and year-end activities, payroll tax reporting, and W-2 processing.
Research and resolve complex payroll issues, discrepancies, employee inquiries, and compliance-related matters.
Establish, document, and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and standard operating processes to support future growth.
Partner closely with Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, Operations, and external vendors to ensure payroll accuracy and operational efficiency.
Play a significant role in an upcoming payroll system implementation, including process evaluation, testing, training, and change management activities.
Develop internal controls and process improvements that enhance payroll accuracy, efficiency, and reporting capabilities.
Create and maintain payroll reports, analytics, and audit documentation.
Lead and develop the internal payroll function, helping build structure and best practices as the organization continues to expand.
Qualifications:
RequiredBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field OR equivalent professional payroll experience.5+ years of progressive payroll experience with increasing responsibility.
Demonstrated experience managing full-cycle payroll in-house for a multi-state workforce.
Prior experience overseeing union payroll and interpreting collective bargaining agreement requirements.
Experience leading or managing an internal payroll team.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including the ability to analyze, reconcile, and audit payroll data.
Strong understanding of payroll taxes, wage and hour regulations, deductions, garnishments, and payroll compliance requirements.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while meeting strict payroll deadlines.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
High level of professionalism and discretion when handling confidential employee information.
Preferred:
Experience in construction, infrastructure, engineering, utilities, manufacturing, field services, or other project-based environments.
Experience supporting payroll system implementations or major process transformations.
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).Experience with certified payroll, prevailing wage, Davis-Bacon, or project-based labor compliance requirements.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
Opportunity to make a significant impact within a growing organization.
Visible role with ownership of the entire payroll function.
Chance to help build processes, establish best practices, and create a scalable payroll infrastructure.
Key participant in a major system implementation initiative.
Collaborative environment with direct interaction across accounting, HR, leadership, and operations teams.
Long-term career growth potential as the organization continues to expand.
