Description

Senior payroll managers typically are employed by the human resources (HR) department of companies to manage compensation and benefits programs, such as payroll administration as well as 401K and savings accounts, as well as life and health insurance.

An undergraduate degree from finance, accounting or business administration or any related field, as well as an extensive prior experience are essential for this job, and certain employers might prefer applicants with a master's degree. Excellent leadership and communication abilities are essential for this job and applicants should be proficient with payroll applications and software, and keep up-to-date on the state-specific regulations pertaining to compensation and payroll. They should also be aware of pertinent IRS regulations, such as wage withholding, pretax and post taxes withholdings, filing documents and payroll requirements. They must also ensure that their company is in compliance with the law regarding employment which may be applicable to multiple states.

Senior payroll managers collaborate with other managers to create and revise their company's policies, and also assist in updating the employee manual that addresses employees' safety, wellbeing, and health. They should make sure that their teams have both hard and electronic copies of documents in accordance with federal local, state, and federal regulations and government guidelines and are urged to keep up-to-date on the latest laws and regulations pertaining to payroll. They also travel to attend seminars or go to branches.

Roles & Responsibilities

As an Sr. Payroll Manager with 3-6 years of experience in the United States, your main responsibilities include:

  • Overseeing the payroll process, ensuring accurate and timely processing of employee salaries, deductions, and benefits.This involves managing payroll systems, coordinating with HR and finance teams, and adhering to legal and tax regulations.
  • Conducting payroll audits and reconciliations to ensure data accuracy and compliance with internal policies and external standards.This includes reviewing payroll reports, identifying discrepancies, and implementing corrective measures.
  • Managing payroll-related inquiries and providing support to employees regarding pay, tax withholding, and benefit deductions.You will address questions and concerns, investigate and resolve payroll issues, and communicate payroll policies.
  • Keeping abreast of changes in payroll laws and regulations, implementing necessary updates, and ensuring compliance.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For an Sr. Payroll Manager job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Extensive experience in payroll management at a senior level, demonstrating a deep understanding of payroll laws, regulations, and best practices.
  • Strong knowledge of payroll systems and software, with the ability to efficiently process large volumes of payroll data, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
  • Excellent leadership and people management skills to oversee a team of payroll professionals, providing guidance, training, and direction to ensure smooth payroll operations.
  • Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and time management skills to handle multiple payroll cycles, deadlines, and complex payroll processes with precision.

Essential Skills For Sr. Payroll Manager

1

Payroll

2

Attention to Detail

3

Organization Skills

4

Reporting/Analytics

Skills That Affect Sr. Payroll Manager Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

People Management

9%

Payroll Administration

3%

Career Prospects

The Sr. Payroll Manager is a key role in ensuring effective payroll operations. In the United States, professionals with 3-6 years of experience in this field can explore various alternative roles. Here are following options worth considering:

  • Compensation and Benefits Manager: This role involves managing employee compensation packages, designing benefit programs, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
  • HRIS Analyst: A position focused on managing and analyzing human resources information systems, including payroll platforms, to enhance data accuracy and reporting capabilities.
  • Compliance Manager: This role entails overseeing payroll compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, ensuring accurate tax withholding, and implementing policies that minimize risks.
  • Operations Manager: A position that involves managing overall payroll operations, streamlining processes, and implementing automation solutions to improve efficiency and accuracy.

How to Learn

The role of Sr. Payroll Manager in the United States is projected to experience steady growth in the job market. Over the past 10 years, there has been a consistent demand for this position, with an increasing number of employment opportunities being created. Based on the latest data points available from Google, the projected growth for the next decade is expected to be positive, indicating a continued need for skilled professionals in this field. This suggests that individuals pursuing a career as a Sr. Payroll Manager can expect a favorable job outlook with ample employment opportunities in the future.