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Payroll Operations Manager Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

HR Payroll Process Specialist

Duluth, GA · On-site

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

Provide project management, oversight and/or coordination of key projects within the Payroll Operations team. Defines and maps Payroll processes • Facilitate business process review meetings with ...

Key ResponsibilitiesPayroll Operations * Manage end-to-end payroll processing for hourly and salaried employees. * Ensure payroll transactions are processed accurately and on schedule. * Review ...

Payroll Specialist

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

Overview Under direction of Payroll Manager, the Payroll Specialist assists with processing of ... Maintain payroll operations by following policies and procedures; reporting needed changes.

Payroll Specialist

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

Overview Under direction of Payroll Manager, the Payroll Specialist assists with processing of ... Maintain payroll operations by following policies and procedures; reporting needed changes.

Payroll Specialist

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

Overview Under direction of Payroll Manager, the Payroll Specialist assists with processing of ... Maintain payroll operations by following policies and procedures; reporting needed changes.

This role sits at the intersection of Payroll, process design and operations, digital enablement ... Strong analytical, organizational, troubleshooting, and stakeholder-management skills. * Clear ...

Payroll & Benefits Manager

Buford, GA · On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

Description: Composition Brands is seeking a Payroll & Benefits Manager to play a critical role in establishing our independent People Operations infrastructure as we transition from a shared ...

Payroll Specialist

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Manage the flow and maintenance of employee data between payroll, HR, and accounting systems ... accuracy of payroll operations. * Assist with payroll system upgrades, testing, and the ...

Payroll Specialist

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Manage the flow and maintenance of employee data between payroll, HR, and accounting systems ... accuracy of payroll operations. * Assist with payroll system upgrades, testing, and the ...

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Payroll Operations Manager information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

$40.4K

$86K

$127.9K

How much do payroll operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for payroll operations manager in Atlanta, GA is $85,968.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,300.00 and $100,000.00 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 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 payroll administration. They manage payroll systems, ensure compliance with tax laws and company policies, and coordinate with HR and finance teams to resolve payroll issues. Strong organizational skills and knowledge of payroll software are essential for this role.

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.

Is a payroll operations manager a stressful job?

A payroll operations manager role can be stressful due to the responsibility of ensuring accurate and timely employee payments, compliance with regulations, and managing payroll systems. The job often involves tight deadlines, attention to detail, and handling sensitive information, which can contribute to work-related stress.

What are popular job titles related to Payroll Operations Manager jobs in Atlanta, GA?

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

What job categories do people searching Payroll Operations Manager jobs in Atlanta, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Payroll Operations Manager jobs in Atlanta, GA are:

What cities near Atlanta, GA are hiring for Payroll Operations Manager jobs?

Cities near Atlanta, GA with the most Payroll Operations Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Payroll Operations Manager job openings in Atlanta, GA 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 $85,968 per year, or $41.3 per hour.

Director Executive Payroll Operations

McKesson

Alpharetta, GA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


McKesson rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 210 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

McKesson is an impact-driven, Fortune 10 company that touches virtually every aspect of healthcare. We are known for delivering insights, products, and services that make quality care more accessible and affordable. Here, we focus on the health, happiness, and well-being of you and those we serve - we care.

What you do at McKesson matters. We foster a culture where you can grow, make an impact, and are empowered to bring new ideas. Together, we thrive as we shape the future of health for patients, our communities, and our people. If you want to be part of tomorrow's health today, we want to hear from you.

Job Description Summary

The Director of Executive Payroll Operations is responsible for leading the end-to-end execution, governance, controls, and service delivery of payroll operations supporting executive compensation programs and senior leader pay activities. This role ensures executive payroll is processed accurately, timely, confidentially, and in compliance with federal, state, local, and applicable regulatory requirements. The Director partners closely with Executive Compensation, Total Rewards, Finance, Accounting, Tax, Legal, HR Operations, Stock Administration, Global Mobility, and external providers to support complex executive pay events, including incentive payouts, equity-related taxable events, deferred compensation, mobility-related payments, severance, special payments, and year-end reporting. This role also provides strategic and operational support to payroll tax and payroll accounting teams to ensure accurate tax treatment, wage reporting, reconciliations, accounting entries, audits, and year-end payroll activities.

Top Responsibilities
  • Lead executive payroll operations, ensuring accurate, timely, compliant, and confidential processing for executives and senior leaders.
  • Own operational execution for executive compensation events, including bonuses, incentive payouts, equity-related payroll transactions, deferred compensation, severance, relocation, mobility, and special payments.
  • Maintain strong payroll controls, reconciliations, documentation, approval workflows, audit evidence, and SOX compliance support for executive payroll processes.
  • Support payroll tax and payroll accounting teams through accurate wage reporting, tax validation, account reconciliations, general ledger support, audit documentation, and year-end reporting activities.
  • Partner cross-functionally with Executive Compensation, Total Rewards, Finance, Accounting, Tax, Payroll Tax, Payroll Accounting, Legal, HR Operations, Stock Administration, Global Mobility, and external advisors to resolve complex payroll matters.
  • Serve as an escalation point for sensitive executive payroll inquiries, ensuring a high-touch service experience, strong judgment, and appropriate discretion.
  • Drive process improvement, automation, reporting enhancements, data quality, and standardization across executive payroll operations.
  • Lead, coach, and develop payroll team members while fostering a culture of accountability, accuracy, confidentiality, continuous improvement, and service excellence.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
  • 10+ years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership experience in a large, complex, multi-state or highly controlled environment.
  • Experience supporting executive compensation, equity compensation, deferred compensation, incentive compensation, or other complex pay programs.
  • Strong knowledge of payroll tax, wage reporting, supplemental wages, payroll accounting, reconciliations, internal controls, and audit requirements.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage confidential and sensitive compensation matters with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment.
  • Experience partnering with senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders across Payroll, HR, Finance, Tax, Legal, Accounting, and Total Rewards.
  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), compensation certification, public company experience, Workday Payroll experience, or SOX/audit experience preferred.
Key Competencies
  • Executive payroll expertise and compensation operations acumen
  • Strong governance, control, reconciliation, and audit readiness mindset
  • Executive presence, stakeholder management, and clear communication
  • Confidentiality, discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment
  • Analytical thinking, issue resolution, and root cause problem-solving
  • Operational excellence, process improvement, and continuous improvement leadership
  • People leadership, coaching, accountability, and team development

We are proud to offer a competitive compensation package at McKesson as part of our Total Rewards. This is determined by several factors, including performance, experience and skills, equity, regular job market evaluations, and geographical markets. The pay range shown below is aligned with McKesson's pay philosophy, and pay will always be compliant with any applicable regulations. In addition to base pay, other compensation, such as an annual bonus or long-term incentive opportunities may be offered. For more information regarding benefits at McKesson, pleaseclick here.

Our Base Pay Range for this position

$124,400 - $207,400

McKesson has become aware of online recruiting-related scams in which individuals who are not affiliated with or authorized by McKesson are using McKesson's (or affiliated entities, like CoverMyMeds or RxCrossroads) name in fraudulent emails, job postings or social media messages. In light of these scams, please bear the following in mind:
McKesson Talent Advisors will never solicit money or credit card information in connection with a McKesson job application.


McKesson Talent Advisors do not communicate with candidates via online chatrooms or using email accounts such as Gmail or Hotmail. Note that McKesson does rely on a virtual assistant (Gia) for certain recruiting-related communications with candidates.

McKesson job postings are posted on our career site: careers.mckesson.com.

McKesson is an Equal Opportunity Employer

McKesson provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other legally protected category. For additional information on McKesson's full Equal Employment Opportunity policies, visit our Equal Employment Opportunity page.

McKesson is committed to being an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and offers opportunities to all job seekers including job seekers with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, please contact us by sending an email to (United States) Disability_Accommodation@McKesson.com or (Canada) Accessibility@mckesson.ca. Resumes or CVs submitted to this email box will not be accepted.

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