Payroll Manager

Overview

This role provides strategic and operational leadership for U.S. payroll operations within a complex, multi-state environment. The Payroll Manager is responsible for ensuring payroll processes are accurate, compliant, and scalable, while driving continuous improvement through data analysis, process refinement, and systems optimization. This position partners closely with HR, Finance, and external vendors to strengthen payroll governance and support the organization's growth.

• Lead and oversee multi-state U.S. payroll operations, ensuring consistent, accurate, and timely execution across all pay cycles.
• Serve as a strategic advisor on payroll compliance, controls, and regulatory requirements, including audits, taxation, and garnishments.
• Evaluate payroll workflows, volumes, and trends to identify risks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Drive enhancements to payroll processes, controls, and documentation to support scalability and audit readiness.
• Establish and monitor payroll performance metrics, translating data into insights and recommendations for stakeholders.
• Partner with HR and Finance to align payroll practices with broader people, financial, and business objectives.
• Oversee payroll systems, vendor relationships, and integrations to ensure reliability and effectiveness.
• Act as an escalation point for complex payroll matters and support resolution through sound judgment and expertise.
• Provide guidance and direction to payroll staff to ensure consistent standards and knowledge sharing.

• 10+ years of progressive payroll experience with deep knowledge of compliance, audits, taxation, and controls.
• Demonstrated experience supporting union and non-union payroll within a multi-state U.S. environment.
• 5+ years of experience managing payroll teams, with direct responsibility for coaching, performance management, and day-to-day oversight.
• Experience driving process improvement, operational efficiency, and system optimization initiatives.
• Hands-on experience with payroll and timekeeping platforms (e.g., ADP, Kronos, or similar).
• Bachelor's degree preferred but not required. CPP certification preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills. Ability to operate with discretion and professionalism.

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting.

The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan.

EEO Notice:
Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as required by federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its affiliates are committed to inclusion and reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact

Workplace rights:
Vaco by Highspring also communicates that workplace discrimination is illegal. By submitting to this position, you agree to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings to ensure minimum job requirements are satisfied. Further assessment will be conducted by recruiters and hiring managers.

Vaco by Highspring respects your privacy and provides transparent notice of our policies. California, Virginia, and other state residents and international applicants may access our HR notices and policies via provided links in the original posting.