Regional Payroll Manager

Fortune 500 company, is a globally recognized firm in the financial services industry.

Role/ Department: Regional Payroll Manager/NA HR Services

Responsible for overseeing and directing the North America payroll (US and Canada) team including payroll processing, time and absence, compliance with applicable state and federal laws, compliance with tax obligations, and the reconciliation of corporate payroll/GL accounts. The Payroll Manager will oversee and maintain all policies and procedures to ensure accurate statutory and regulatory reporting, internal/external regulatory compliance, and accurate payroll records.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Responsible for the preparation, processing, and approval of all payroll, time, and absence related activities
• Designs, develops, and reviews policies, procedures, controls and business practices to ensure compliance with state and federal wage and tax laws. Recommends modifications where required to ensure compliance with legislative requirements
• Develops department goals and objectives, prioritizes short-term and long-term initiatives, reviews and monitors all payroll, time, and absence activities to ensure timely and accurate processing
• Evaluates payroll, time, and absence operations and controls and makes recommendations to optimize operating efficiencies and effectiveness including the identification and implementation of continuous improvements
• Oversees G/L activities and payroll accounting (i.e., G/L account reconciliations, Journal Entry approvals, and G/L trouble shooting)
• Oversees exception processing, irregular activities, and/or highly sensitive issues to provide timely escalations and problem resolution
• Responsible for reporting and monitoring key performance metrics to identify risks, trends, and opportunities for continuous improvement
• Conducts the performance management process, provides input on personnel decisions (i.e., hiring, separation, and disciplinary actions) and provides hands-on training and development to the payroll team
• Manages/supports HR initiatives (i.e., strategic projects, system implementations/updates, etc.) that are payroll impacting
• Builds and manages cross functional relationships with HR/ HRIT/ Finance partners, management and internal/external auditors
• Manages SOX, regulatory compliance, financial, tax or any other internal/ external audit requests on a timely manner
• Manages all year end activities including quarterly/annual tax reconciliations and W2 reporting
• Manages vendor relationships and monitors vendor performance against established SLAs

Skills/Qualifications:

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field and 15+ years of payroll and time experience or equivalent work experience
• Extensive and thorough knowledge of payroll and related federal, state, and local regulations, including wage and hour, FLSA, data privacy, etc.
• Experience with time and absence administration
• Working knowledge in the preparation and filing of payroll tax and other requisite forms
• Approximately 10 years of experience managing, coaching, and developing a payroll team of 7 or more individuals
• SOX Audit and compliance experience
• Solid understanding of G/L and payroll tax accounting
• Proficient with MS office (i.e., excel)
• Highly analytical, team-oriented, flexible, inquisitive & logical
• Must have strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Requires excellent people management skills, strong analytical ability, strong judgment and communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with clients, HR management, and staff.

The successful candidate will benefit from having:

• Financial industry experience
• Experience with Workday Payroll
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

Working Model: Hybrid (#LI-Hybrid)

We have a balanced hybrid working model to ensure you get the flexibility you need, and the successful candidate will spend their time between working in the office and working from home.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work setting:

• Hybrid work

Application Question(s):

• Please outline your experience with payroll systems, tax laws/codes and briefly outline the level of supervisory experience you have. Also outline your experience with fostering collaboration and communication as a leader. Lastly, if you have process improvement experience and pride yourself on your customer service to provide a seamless exemplary payroll experience for employees - please let us know about your strengths in these key areas!

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Payroll management: 10 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Chicago, IL 60604 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Chicago, IL 60604: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60604