The Payroll Manager is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of payroll operations for approximately 700 employees, including both hourly and salaried staff. This role ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing, including weekly payroll for hourly employees and semi-monthly payroll for salaried employees (1st and 15th).
The Payroll Manager partners closely with Human Resources, Finance, and Operations to maintain payroll integrity, ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and drive continuous improvement in payroll processes and systems. This position requires a hands-on leader who is detail-oriented, highly organized, and capable of managing complex payroll environments with a high degree of accuracy and confidentiality.
UNUSUAL ENVIRONMENT FACTORS:
Work is performed primarily in an office environment with frequent interaction across Human Resources, Finance, and Operations. The role requires managing multiple payroll cycles simultaneously while maintaining strict deadlines and accuracy.
Occasional extended hours may be required during payroll processing cycles, year-end reporting, audits, or system implementations. The Payroll Manager must handle sensitive and confidential information with a high level of discretion.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS TO ACCOMPLISH CENTRAL PURPOSE:
Manage end-to-end payroll processing for:
Hourly employees (weekly payroll)
Salaried employees (semi-monthly payroll)
Ensure accurate calculation of wages, overtime, bonuses, deductions, and adjustments
Review and approve payroll prior to processing to ensure accuracy and completeness
Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations
Oversee payroll tax filings, reconciliations, and year-end processing (W-2s, etc.)
Maintain and manage payroll systems, ensuring data integrity and proper configuration
Partner with HR to ensure accurate employee data (new hires, terminations, promotions, benefits)
Collaborate with Finance on general ledger reconciliations and payroll reporting
Resolve payroll discrepancies and employee inquiries in a timely manner
Develop, document, and improve payroll processes and procedures
Ensure proper internal controls and audit readiness
Stay current on payroll laws, tax updates, and best practices
Support internal and external audits and provide required documentation
Lead and develop payroll staff, if applicable
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Support continuous improvement initiatives related to payroll systems and processes
Assist with payroll-related reporting and analysis for leadership
Maintain documentation supporting compliance and audit requirements
Partner with leadership to improve payroll efficiency and accuracy
Support system upgrades, implementations, or integrations as needed
EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field preferred
Minimum of 5 years of payroll experience, including multi-frequency payroll (weekly and semi-monthly)
Experience managing payroll for 500+ employees
Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements
Experience with payroll systems (e.g., Dayforce, ADP, Workday, or similar)
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
High level of accuracy and attention to detail
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to manage multiple payroll cycles and deadlines simultaneously
Excellent communication and customer service skills
High level of integrity, discretion, and confidentiality
Strong organizational and time management skills
Continuous improvement mindset
KEY END RESULTS:
Accurate and timely payroll processing for all employees
Full compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations
Proper payroll tax filings and reconciliations completed on time
Strong internal controls and audit-ready payroll documentation
Efficient and standardized payroll processes across the organization
High employee satisfaction through timely and accurate payroll support
ORGANIZATION:
This position reports to the VP of Human Resources and works closely with Human Resources, Finance, and Operations teams.
NATURE OF POSITION:
The Payroll Manager is a hands-on leadership role responsible for managing complex payroll operations while ensuring compliance, accuracy, and continuous process improvement. This position plays a critical role in supporting the organization’s financial and employee experience objectives.
RELATIONSHIPS:
Internal: Human Resources, Finance, Operations, Leadership, and Employees
External: Payroll vendors, auditors, tax authorities, and system providers
TRAVEL:
Limited travel may be required for training, system implementations, or vendor-related activities.
PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITY:
Manage weekly and semi-monthly payroll processing for all employees
Ensure payroll accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery
Oversee payroll tax filings and year-end reporting
Maintain payroll systems and data integrity
Ensure audit readiness and compliance documentation
Resolve payroll issues and support employee inquiries
Lead payroll process improvements and system enhancements
Partner with HR and Finance on payroll-related activities
Maintain strong internal controls and payroll governance
Support organizational goals through efficient payroll operations
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to travel throughout facility as required to perform essential duties.
EMC expects that every team member will guided by EMC’s Guiding Principles
DISCLAIMER
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
