What does a Payroll Manager do?

A Payroll Manager oversees the entire process of paying employees accurately and on time. They manage payroll runs, tax and benefits withholdings, and compliance with labor law, while leading the payroll team and improving the systems and controls behind each cycle.

What are the main responsibilities of a Payroll Manager?

The core duties are managing payroll processing, ensuring tax and labor law compliance, and leading the payroll team. Most managers also oversee withholdings and year-end filings, reconcile payroll accounts, and resolve escalated pay issues.

What skills does a Payroll Manager need?

Precision and deep knowledge of payroll tax and wage law are essential, along with fluency in payroll platforms. Because the role handles sensitive pay data and a team, strong confidentiality, leadership, and problem-solving skills matter just as much.

What should a Payroll Manager job description include?

A strong Payroll Manager job description leads with a one-line definition and brief, then lists key duties, full responsibilities, and required experience, systems, and certifications. Noting headcount, jurisdictions, and payroll platform helps candidates judge scope and fit.

Who does a Payroll Manager work with?

Payroll Managers work across finance and HR, reporting to a controller, finance director, or head of HR. They coordinate with accounting, benefits, and tax teams, manage the payroll staff, and interact with employees and external payroll or tax providers.

Finance

Payroll Manager Job Description

Accountant Financial Analyst Finance Manager Financial Controller Bookkeeper Accounts Payable Specialist Accounts Receivable Specialist Auditor Tax Accountant CFO

About the role

We are looking for a Payroll Manager to lead our payroll function and make sure every employee is paid correctly and on time, every cycle. You will own payroll processing, tax and benefits withholdings, compliance across jurisdictions, and continuous improvement of payroll systems and controls. This role suits a detail-driven leader who can balance strict accuracy and confidentiality with a genuine care for the employee experience.

Key responsibilities

Oversee accurate, on-time payroll processing across all cycles
Ensure payroll tax and labor law compliance
Manage and develop the payroll team and systems

Responsibilities

Manage end-to-end payroll processing for salaried, hourly, and contract staff
Review and approve payroll runs, adjustments, and off-cycle payments
Ensure correct calculation of wages, overtime, bonuses, and deductions
Oversee payroll tax filings, remittances, and year-end forms such as W-2s
Maintain compliance with wage, hour, and labor laws across jurisdictions
Administer benefits, garnishments, and retirement contribution withholdings
Reconcile payroll accounts and support month-end and year-end close
Manage and optimize the payroll system and its integrations with HR
Resolve escalated employee pay inquiries and discrepancies
Lead, train, and evaluate the payroll team and document procedures

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, human resources, or a related field
5 or more years of payroll experience, including team or process leadership
Thorough knowledge of payroll tax, wage and hour law, and compliance requirements
Experience with payroll platforms such as ADP, Workday, or Paychex
A payroll certification (CPP or FPC) is a strong advantage

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