Payroll Manager

Overview

This position is based on-site in Tucson, Arizona, and offers the opportunity to play a critical role in ensuring payroll excellence and regulatory compliance within a growing organization.

• Manage the end-to-end processing of bi-weekly, multi-state payroll for all employees, including wage and salary calculations, deductions, and tax with holdings.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable labor laws (FMLA, FLSA) and tax regulations (IRS, DOL), particularly those applicable to government contractors. Oversee the preparation of all required internal and external reports and regulatory filings, including tax form 5500 data.
• Lead and manage the payroll function, ensuring timely and accurate bi-weekly processing for all employees.
• Administer and reconcile payroll-related benefits and retirement plans, including ESOP contributions, vesting, and reporting.
• Coordinate with Finance and the ESOP Administrator to ensure accurate data flow and reporting related to ESOP contributions, share allocations, share repurchase demand and distributions.
• Ensure payroll cost allocations align with contract requirements and company policies.
• Manage payroll interfaces, system uploads, and integrations within ADP and preferred systems.
• Partner closely with the Human Resources and Finance departments to ensure seamless integration of compensation, benefits, and General Ledger (GL) postings.
• Support DCAA, financial, and internal audits by preparing documentation and maintaining robust internal controls.
• Identify and implement process improvements and payroll automation opportunities to increase accuracy and efficiency.
• Provide reporting and analytics to leadership as needed.

• 5+ years of payroll experience, with at least 2 years in a lead or manager role.
• Hands-on experience with ADP payroll systems.
• Strong knowledge of payroll compliance, wage & hour laws, and multi-state payroll.
• Experience administering retirement plans, including ESOPs.
• Experience with general accounting and GL experience.
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset.

• Prior experience working in a government contracting environment.
• Experience with Deltek Costpoint payroll and labor modules.
• Experience with Deltek Time & Expense.
• Experience working with employees in multiple states and international locations.
• Experience leading process improvements, workflow optimization, or payroll automation initiatives.
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or similar certification.

This role reports to the Controller and works closely with HR, Accounting, and company leadership.