Payroll Operations Manager Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Payroll Manager

The Best Experience Company

Our tagline is "The Best Experience Company." More than just a set of words, it represents the essence of who we are at Springs Window Fashions. As North America's premier window covering company, we're committed to creating the Best Experience for our associates, consumers and end users, business partners, and communities. We want you to join our team of passionate self-starters who believe the world is full of Best Experience opportunities. So, if you're excited about the thought of a Best Experience career with a team focused on creating Best Experiences for all, we want to hear from you!

Position Summary

The Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing all payroll functions to ensure the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of employee compensation. This role leads payroll operations, ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, manages payroll systems and controls, supports audits, and partners with Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Tax, and external vendors to deliver efficient payroll services.

The Payroll Manager is also responsible for developing payroll policies, maintaining internal controls, and driving continuous process improvements.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

• Manage the end-to-end payroll process for all employees, including regular, off-cycle, bonus, commission, and termination payrolls.
• Ensure accurate calculation and payment of wages, salaries, overtime, shift premiums, incentives, and other compensation.
• Review and approve payroll data prior to processing.
• Monitor payroll schedules and ensure payroll deadlines are consistently met.
• Oversee payroll reconciliations and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Manage garnishments, levies, child support orders, and other mandatory deductions.
• Ensure proper handling of retroactive pay adjustments and payroll corrections.

Compliance & Regulatory Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
• Maintain knowledge of changes in payroll legislation, tax laws, labor regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Ensure accurate withholding, remittance, and reporting of payroll taxes.
• Coordinate preparation and filing of annual tax documents, including W-2s and 1099s, and year-end filings.
• Support internal and external audits and respond to regulatory inquiries.

Payroll Systems & Process Management

• Serve as the primary administrator for payroll systems and related technologies.
• Manage payroll integrations with HRIS, timekeeping, benefits, and accounting systems.
• Lead payroll system upgrades, testing, and implementation projects.
• Develop and maintain payroll procedures, controls, and documentation.
• Identify opportunities to automate and streamline payroll processes.

Financial Reporting & Reconciliation

• Reconcile payroll accounts with the general ledger.
• Prepare payroll accruals and support month-end and year-end close activities.
• Analyze payroll-related expenses and reporting metrics.
• Generate payroll reports for Finance, HR, leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Support budgeting and forecasting activities related to labor costs.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop payroll staff.
• Establish department goals, performance standards, and service-level expectations.
• Provide training on payroll procedures and compliance requirements.
• Manage workload distribution and ensure adequate staffing coverage.
• Foster a culture of accuracy, accountability, and customer service.

Employee Support

• Act as an escalation point for complex payroll inquiries.
• Partner with HR to resolve employee compensation and payroll concerns.
• Ensure payroll information is communicated clearly and professionally.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee payroll and compensation data

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field preferred. An equivalent combination of education and payroll experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience.
• 2+ years of payroll leadership or supervisory experience.
• Experience with payroll tax compliance and reporting requirements.
• Experience managing multi-state, unionized, or international payrolls preferred.
• Experience with ERP, HRIS, and payroll platforms such as SAP, Workday, Oracle, UKG, ADP, or Ceridian Dayforce.
• Payroll certification preferred: Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC), or Certified Payroll Manager (CPM).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and wage and hour requirements.
• Expertise in payroll systems, HRIS applications, and Microsoft Excel.
• Understanding of accounting principles and general ledger processes.
• Experience with payroll reporting and data analysis.

Leadership Skills

• Strong people management and coaching skills.
• Ability to lead through change and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Communication Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to explain complex payroll matters to employees and management.
• Strong stakeholder management skills.

Organizational Skills

• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent time management and prioritization abilities.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.

How We Work to Deliver a Best Experience: Our Culture

• Our Core Value: We do the right thing, always
• Our Seven Cultural Behaviors
  • Empowerment - We trust our people.
  • Ownership - We take 100% responsibility for our roles actions, and results.
  • Leadership - We all lead by example and talk direct with respect (DWR).
  • One Team - We are One Springs Team.
  • Customer First - We consider our customers' needs before every decision.
  • Continuous Innovation - We are constantly learning, innovating, and improving.
  • Speed - We define priorities and operate with a sense of urgency and agility.

This posting is anticipated to remain open until a qualified candidate is hired.