Senior Payroll Manager

Location: Acton, MA (Hybrid – 2 days onsite per week)

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Pay Rate: Up to $67.00 per hour or about $136,000 a year

Job Type: Long Term Contract

The Senior Global Payroll Manger is responsible for applying subject matter expertise in payroll processing, time tracking, and payroll systems. This role analyzes, develops, and recommends payroll and system controls to support the organization’s global payroll objectives. The position includes managing relationships with internal stakeholders, external vendors, and global tax authorities.

This individual will spend the majority of their time performing independent analysis, driving process improvements, resolving issues, and recommending best practices across payroll functions and related services. The role reports directly to the Global Payroll Director and is responsible for aligning global payroll processes to deliver a secure, integrated payroll function supported by comprehensive documentation, standardized processes, and strong internal controls.

• Review and analyze current payroll procedures; recommend and implement process improvements to build a high-performing Global Payroll function.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to align and implement payroll rules, policies, and procedures.
• Provide exceptional customer service to employees, managers, tax authorities, and third parties by resolving payroll inquiries promptly and accurately.
• Ensure the Global Payroll team is fully trained and operating at a high level of performance.
• Develop and maintain process documentation and training materials; deliver training to Payroll Team members and Time Approvers.
• Lead management of the time and payroll system and related services, including data audits, system configuration, scheduled and ad hoc reporting, basic to advanced system programming, and troubleshooting.
• Lead end-to-end payroll system implementations to streamline and enhance existing processes.
• Serve as liaison between internal/external stakeholders and functional teams to support effective delivery and optimization of Workday.
• Analyze issues, elevate appropriately, and ensure timely resolution.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with Workday stakeholders, including senior leadership and end users.
• Promote proactive use of Workday to solve business challenges while enhancing organizational understanding of system capabilities.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field
• 8+ years of progressive payroll experience
• Hands‑on experience with Workday
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate business needs into operational solutions
• Experience implementing end‑to‑end payroll processing and compliance solutions for multi‑site and/or international organizations

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation
• Experience managing complex payroll environments (multi‑region setups, short- and long-term disability, benefits administration, garnishments, etc.)
• Knowledge of accounting principles and payroll‑related accounting practices
• Manufacturing industry experience
• Experience implementing payroll systems
• Extensive knowledge of payroll processing, balancing, internal controls, and payroll taxes
• Experience auditing payroll processes and ensuring compliance with payroll tax laws
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact at all organizational levels
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook), Concur, and Workday

• Professionalism and role model behavior
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• High level of customer service and responsiveness
• Commitment to continuous improvement
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Initiative and problem‑solving mindset
• Strict adherence to confidentiality standards