Payroll Manager (Workday Payroll | Multi-State Tax | Equity Processing)

Our client is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead end‑to‑end payroll operations for a workforce of 1,500+ employees across the U.S. and Australia. This role requires hands-on ownership of Workday Payroll, multi‑state tax compliance, payroll accounting, equity transactions, and SOX controls. The contractor will serve as the primary payroll owner during leadership leave, with minimal training available and rapid ramp expectations.

No Visa Sponsorship | No Relocation Assistance

Location: Local candidates strongly preferred

Please Note: No extended time off approved through March 2027

Work Model: Hybrid (Onsite Mon, Tues, Thurs; Remote Wed and Fri)

Contract Duration: 8 months | W2 (Transition to fully remote after September (exact date TBD))

Responsibilities

Payroll Operations & Workday

• Respond to employee and cross-functional payroll inquiries.
• Execute equity transactions and tax withholding within Workday.
• Partner with HRIS/IT on Workday updates, testing, and enhancements.
• Process full‑cycle, multi‑state payroll for 1,500+ employees using Workday Payroll.
• Resolve payroll discrepancies and serve as the escalation point for Workday issues.

Payroll Accounting

• Prepare payroll journal entries, reconciliations, and GL postings.
• Support month-end and year-end close, including W‑2/W‑2c processing.
• Ensure accurate payroll accruals, liabilities, and SOX-compliant documentation.

Payroll Tax & Compliance

• Maintain audit-ready payroll records.
• Respond to tax agency notices and audits.
• Oversee W‑2/W‑2c filings and year-end reconciliations.
• Manage federal, state, and local tax withholding, remittance, and reporting.
• Maintain compliance with SOX controls, wage/hour laws, and regulatory changes.

Time, Attendance & Employee Data

• Monitor compliance with FLSA and state wage/hour regulations.
• Partner with Legal/HR on garnishments, levies, and mandated deductions.
• Ensure timely and accurate timekeeping, time-off, and payroll data workflows.

Technology, Automation & AI

• Support system integrations, upgrades, and process redesign.
• Identify opportunities to automate payroll processes and reduce manual effort.
• Leverage AI tools (e.g., Claude, Gemini) for reporting, research, and workflow efficiency.

Qualifications (Must-Haves)

• All education levels considered.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets.
• Experience processing equity transactions in Workday.
• Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines.
• Hands-on Workday Payroll experience (processing, not approving)
• Strong communication, customer service, and confidentiality skills.
• Deep knowledge of federal and multi-state payroll tax compliance.
• Year-end processing experience (W‑2/W‑2c) and ADP SmartCompliance.
• Strong payroll accounting background: journal entries, GL reconciliations, accruals, SOX.
• 8+ years of end-to-end payroll experience (4–6 years acceptable with exceptional Workday expertise)

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience leading or mentoring payroll staff.
• Advanced Excel (pivot tables, lookups, formulas)
• Experience using AI tools to improve payroll workflows.
• Basic Australia payroll knowledge (superannuation; preparing data for a third‑party provider)