Payroll Manager

Payroll Manager

Reporting to the Director of Total Rewards, the Payroll Manager oversees all payroll operations for multiple domestic and international payrolls. The Manager serves as the payroll subject matter expert, providing guidance on best practices and resolving complex escalations. This role leads a Payroll Specialist, partners with Finance and Operations, and collaborates closely with the SGU Payroll team and Benefits & Compensation to ensure accuracy, compliance, and process efficiency.

• Oversees payroll processing for domestic and international employees, ensuring accuracy and timely payments across multiple systems.
• Manages payroll adjustments, garnishments, levies, and updates for new hires, terminations, and pay changes.
• Ensures compliance with wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and organizational policies; monitors legislative changes and updates practices accordingly.
• Prepares and reviews payroll reports (weekly, monthly, quarterly, year-end) and supports tax filings, including W-2 data.
• Provides input on payroll-related budgeting and strategic process improvements.
• Manages 401(k) and HSA accounts, including employer contributions.
• Builds and maintains relationships with Employer of Record partners to ensure proper tax treatment for international employees.
• Leads internal and external payroll audits and collaborates with auditors and stakeholders.
• Maintains expertise in payroll systems and leads HRIS upgrades, testing, and data cleanup projects.
• Develops and maintains payroll procedures and training materials; drives automation and process enhancements with a focus on customer service.
• Serves as primary contact for employee payroll escalations, ensuring timely and empathetic resolution; identifies trends and recommends improvements.
• Responsible for performance management and development of the Payroll Specialist.
• Supports annual merit and bonus processing as needed.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of employee information.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Deep expertise in payroll operations, compliance, reconciliation, and systems.
• Proven experience managing high‑volume payroll in large ERP environments.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state payroll regulations.
• Ability to manage and develop team members while operating independently.
• Experience with payroll system implementation, upgrades, and integrations.
• Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and skilled at prioritizing tasks.
• Strong decision‑making and problem‑solving abilities in complex scenarios.
• Excellent verbal and written communication with a customer‑focused approach.
• Skilled in data analysis, issue resolution, and process improvement.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (VLOOKUP, IF, Pivot Tables).
• Proficient in query tools for data extraction and reporting.
• Demonstrates ownership, accountability, and proactive issue management.
• High emotional intelligence; handles sensitive matters with discretion.
• Committed to collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• A typical work week is Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm.
• Occasional travel may be required for this job.
• Flexibility in work hours to support critical business initiatives and provide responsive, high‑quality customer service across time zones and operational needs.

The anticipated salary range for the Payroll Manager is $94,000 to $104,000 per year. The final salary offered may vary and will be determined based on factors such as job‑related knowledge, skills, experience, location, and education of the successful candidate. This information is provided per NYS local law.

• BS/BA in Business Administration, Accounting, Human Resources, or related field.
• 6+ years of progressively responsible payroll management experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing team members.
• Experience with large‑scale ERP payroll systems and HRIS platforms.
• Professional certification is a plus.
• Exposure to international payroll operations and compliance preferred.

USS is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is company policy to fill positions with qualified candidates regardless of race, color, sex (including sexual orientation and gender presentation), age, religion, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, pregnancy, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, disability, status in the Uniformed Services of the United States (including veteran status) or status as a victim of domestic violence, except where there is a bona fide occupational qualification.

This policy protects applicants and employees from discrimination in the hiring process.