Finance & Accounting
A payroll manager oversees accurate, timely pay for all employees and manages the team and systems behind it. The role keeps the company compliant with wage, tax and benefit rules across the states where it operates.
Ways to hire
4options
contract, contract-to-hire, full-time and executive search
The role
Employers hire one when headcount grows, when they expand into multiple states, or when payroll errors and compliance questions begin to reach leadership.
Typical responsibilities
Core skills
Tools and systems
Related titles
Typical background
Usually seven or more years in payroll with supervisory experience; the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) credential is valued.
At a glance
The essentials for planning the hire: level, background, how you can hire and what the role typically pays.
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What happens next
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Send your resume once and a finance and accounting recruiter will match you to payroll manager roles that fit your experience, pay expectations and the way you want to work. We only put you forward for roles you have said yes to, and it is always free.
FAQ
Straight answers to the questions employers and candidates ask about this role.
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A payroll manager oversees accurate, timely pay for all employees and manages the team and systems behind it. The role keeps the company compliant with wage, tax and benefit rules across the states where it operates. Typical responsibilities include: oversee each payroll cycle from time approval to funding; manage payroll staff and review their work; ensure compliance with federal, state and local payroll tax laws.
Look for multi-state payroll, payroll tax compliance, year-end reporting, wage and hour law, payroll reconciliation and team management. Experience with ADP Workforce Now, Paycom, UKG, Workday and Paylocity is common in this role.
Yes. Employers hire a payroll manager on contract for projects, peak periods and cover, and contract-to-hire is a good way to confirm fit before a permanent offer. For long-term needs, most choose full-time placement.
Either can work. Finance ownership helps with reconciliation, tax filing and controls, while HR ownership helps with employee data and benefits. The key is a clear owner, separation between who changes pay data and who approves it, and good communication.
An outsourced provider handles processing and filings well for smaller employers. A payroll manager adds value when you have complex pay rules, multiple states, union or shift pay, or need someone to own accuracy, audits and employee questions.
Related roles
Every role in the practice is recruited by the same specialist team.
