Payroll Manager

Aquent is partnering with a leading organization renowned for its commitment to excellence and innovation, shaping the future of its industry. They are a company that values precision, compliance, and employee well-being, striving to create an environment where every team member feels supported and valued.

As a pivotal leader in their finance operations, you will step into a role where your expertise directly ensures the financial well-being of their workforce. This isn't just about processing numbers; it's about leading a critical function, fostering a compliant and efficient payroll environment, and making a tangible impact on employee satisfaction. Your strategic oversight will guarantee accuracy, streamline processes, and uphold the highest standards of regulatory adherence, directly contributing to the smooth operation and success of a dynamic organization. You will play a crucial role in maintaining trust and stability across the organization by ensuring every employee is paid accurately and on time, every time.

You will lead the end-to-end payroll processing for all employees, ensuring timely and accurate delivery while upholding stringent compliance with federal, state, local, and company policies. This role offers significant opportunities for leadership, allowing you to guide and develop a dedicated payroll team, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous professional growth. Your collaborative efforts with HR, Finance, and IT will be essential in resolving complex issues and optimizing payroll operations, directly impacting the efficiency and employee experience across the organization.

**Key Responsibilities:**

* Manage and oversee the comprehensive end-to-end payroll processing for all employees, ensuring timely and accurate delivery.

* Ensure strict compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll regulations, as well as internal company policies.

* Lead, mentor, and support the payroll team, providing guidance, training, and fostering professional development to achieve high performance.

* Collaborate effectively with cross-functional departments, including HR, Finance, and IT, to ensure seamless payroll operations and swift resolution of any related issues.

* Prepare and meticulously review critical payroll reports, including tax filings, wage statements, and other essential regulatory documentation.

* Oversee regular audits of payroll data and processes to maintain the highest levels of accuracy and compliance.

* Stay current with evolving payroll laws and regulations, proactively implementing necessary updates to policies and procedures.

* Serve as the primary escalation point for employee payroll inquiries, providing exceptional customer service and support.

* Manage all year-end payroll activities, including the preparation and distribution of wage and tax statements.

* Collaborate with internal and external resources, such as consultants, vendors, and project teams, to support the efficient execution of implementations, enhancements, and strategic projects.

This is an exciting contract opportunity, approximately 4 to 6 months in duration, with the potential for a full-time role for an exceptional candidate. You'll be joining a highly experienced and self-sufficient payroll team, ready to support your leadership.

**Must-Have Qualifications:**

* Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a closely related field.

* Minimum of 5 years of progressive payroll management experience.

* At least 3 years of hands-on experience utilizing Workday Payroll.

* Strong, in-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations and compliance requirements.

* Proven experience in managing payroll for a large, multi-state organization.

* Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, coupled with a keen attention to detail.

* Demonstrated strong leadership and team management skills, with a proven ability to motivate and develop a high-performing team.

* Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, capable of interacting effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.

**Nice-to-Have Qualifications:**

* Prior Workday Payroll Implementation Experience.

* Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation.

**About Aquent Talent:**

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. More information on our awesome benefits!

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.