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Payroll Operations Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The Payroll Analyst II role is crucial for managing various pay cycles and ensuring accurate payroll processing. This role ensures timely and accurate payroll operations and compliance with labor ...

Payroll Administrator

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$24.25 - $32.75/hr

... operations and provide responsive payroll service to employees. In this role, you'll work under the ... managers, and the payroll/accounting team. What You'll Do * Process weekly payroll and related ...

Payroll Administrator

Sioux City, IA

$24.25 - $32.75/hr

... operations and provide responsive payroll service to employees. In this role, you'll work under the ... managers, and the payroll/accounting team. What You'll Do * Process weekly payroll and related ...

Payroll Specialist

Des Moines, IA

$23 - $31.25/hr

... operational leaders. Ideal for an experienced payroll professional who values accuracy, service ... Manage payroll-related employee changes, garnishments, tax withholdings, and other required ...

Maintain billing and payroll * Manage overall budget for the business Designated Manager ... Skills - Knowledge of healthcare operations, leadership skills, budgeting and financial management ...

Perform monthly payroll reconciliation between HR payroll system and accounting general ledger ... managing office operations, administration, or a supervisory role in a professional services or ...

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Payroll Operations Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$39.4K

$84K

$124.9K

How much do payroll operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for payroll operations manager in Iowa is $83,967.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,700.00 and $97,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a payroll operations manager?

To thrive as a Payroll Operations Manager, you need expertise in payroll processing, compliance with labor laws, and a strong background in finance or accounting, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with payroll software such as ADP, Workday, or SAP, as well as certifications like CPP (Certified Payroll Professional), is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills for managing teams and ensuring accuracy. These skills are vital to guarantee timely and compliant payroll operations, minimize errors, and lead an efficient payroll department.

What are some common challenges faced by payroll operations managers, and how can they be addressed?

Payroll Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as staying compliant with frequently changing tax laws, managing high volumes of data accurately, and ensuring timely payroll processing across multiple locations. To address these, it's important to implement robust payroll software, maintain ongoing training for staff, and establish strong internal controls. Effective communication with HR, finance, and external vendors also plays a crucial role in resolving discrepancies and maintaining smooth operations.

What is the difference between Payroll Operations Manager vs Payroll Specialist?

AspectPayroll Operations ManagerPayroll Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field; payroll certifications preferredUsually requires a high school diploma or associate degree; payroll certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentOversees payroll teams, manages processes, and ensures compliance across departmentsPerforms payroll processing, data entry, and verification tasks
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in medium to large organizations across various industriesFound in organizations of all sizes, often in HR or finance departments

The Payroll Operations Manager focuses on overseeing payroll processes, managing teams, and ensuring compliance, while the Payroll Specialist handles the day-to-day payroll data entry and processing tasks. Both roles require payroll knowledge, but the manager position involves leadership and strategic oversight.

What does a payroll operations manager do?

A payroll operations manager oversees the processing of employee compensation, ensuring accurate and timely payment while maintaining compliance with tax laws and company policies. They manage payroll systems, coordinate with HR and finance departments, and often use payroll software to handle data and reporting tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Payroll Operations Manager jobs in Iowa?

For Payroll Operations Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Payroll Operations Manager jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Payroll Operations Manager jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Payroll Operations Manager jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Payroll Operations Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Payroll Operations Manager job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $83,967 per year, or $40.4 per hour.

Total Rewards & Payroll Manager

UI Center for Advancement

Iowa City, IA • On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

The Total Rewards and Payroll Manager is responsible for the administration, compliance, and operational management of the organization's total rewards programs, including benefits, retirement plans, compensation, payroll, the HRIS, and related regulatory reporting. This role partners closely with the organization's benefits broker and other external advisors to execute on our total rewards strategies that attract, retain, and engage employees while ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and plan requirements.
The Total Rewards and Payroll Manager oversees the administration of employee benefits and retirement programs, manages compensation structures and payroll processes, maintains required records and documentation, and ensures compliance with laws and regulations including ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, IRS regulations, Department of Labor requirements, and applicable state laws. This position serves as a subject matter expert on total rewards and payroll matters while ensuring operational excellence and regulatory compliance.

*This position iseligible forhybridwork(telecommuting), whichincludes working on-siteat least 3 days a week at our office in Iowa City.

Benefits Administration
  • Manage the day-to-day administration of employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, wellness, voluntary benefits, and other employee benefit offerings.
  • Serve as the primary internal contact for employee benefits inquiries and resolution of complex benefits issues.
  • Coordinate annual open enrollment activities, plan communications, employee education, and vendor interactions.
  • Monitor vendor performance and ensure service levels meet organizational expectations.
  • Maintain accurate benefits records and eligibility information.
  • Administer the organization's retirement plans and ensure compliance with plan documents and regulatory requirements.
  • Coordinate with retirement plan advisors, recordkeepers, auditors, and legal counsel as needed.
  • Oversee employee enrollment, contribution changes, distributions, and other retirement plan transactions.
  • Assist with fiduciary governance processes and retirement plan committee activities.
  • Ensure accurate and timely completion of required retirement plan reporting, disclosures, and audits.
Compensation Management
  • Administer the organization's compensation programs, salary structures, pay practices, and market benchmarking activities utilizing our third party expert.
  • Conduct compensation analyses with external consultants to support hiring, promotions, adjustments, and other compensation-related decisions.
  • Maintain compensation structures, salary ranges, and job classifications.
  • Support compliance with compensation-related laws and regulations.
Payroll Administration
  • Manage payroll operations to ensure accurate and timely processing of employee wages, taxes, deductions, garnishments, and other payroll transactions.
  • Monitor payroll compliance with federal and state wage and hour requirements.
  • Reconcile payroll data and coordinate with Finance regarding payroll accounting and reporting.
  • Review and approve payroll-related transactions and audits.
  • Ensure payroll records are maintained in accordance with regulatory and organizational requirements.
Regulatory Compliance and Reporting
  • Ensure compliance with ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, IRS regulations, Department of Labor requirements, ACA reporting requirements, and other applicable federal and state laws.
  • Prepare, maintain, and file required governmental, regulatory, plan, and organizational reports.
  • Manage FMLA and ADA processes.
  • Manage the HRIS system, powered by UKG, to ensure technology enables processes and reporting effectively.
  • Coordinate audits, compliance reviews, and required disclosures.
  • Monitor legislative and regulatory changes affecting compensation, payroll, benefits, and retirement programs.
  • Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and documentation supporting compliance requirements.
Records Management and Documentation
  • Maintain accurate records related to benefits, retirement plans, compensation, payroll, and compliance activities.
  • Ensure required plan documents, notices, disclosures, and employee communications are current and properly maintained.
  • Coordinate retention and storage of records consistent with regulatory requirements and organizational policies.
  • Support internal and external audits by providing documentation and reporting as requested.

Education & Experience:Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field required. Five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in benefits administration, compensation, payroll, or human resources. Experience administering employee benefits and retirement plans and managing payroll operations required.

*This position iseligible forhybridwork(telecommuting), whichincludes working on-siteat least 3 days a week at our office in Iowa City.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Comprehensive knowledge of employee benefits, retirement plans, compensation, and payroll administration.
  • Strong understanding of ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, FLSA, ACA, IRS regulations, and related compliance requirements.
  • Knowledge of payroll laws, wage-and-hour regulations, and payroll tax requirements.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
QualificationsSkillsBehaviors

:

Motivations

:

EducationRequired

Bachelor's or better in any major.

ExperienceLicenses & Certifications

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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