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

Baird is an employee owned organization with over 130 employees worldwide, dedicated to enhancing coastal resources and communities through exceptional coastal and marine engineering. As an employee-owned company, every team member contributes to Baird's long-term success. We value collaboration, continuous improvement, and investing in our people. We promote a dynamic work environment for professional growth and success. As part of our finance team, you will contribute to our financial success and long-term vision.

We’re excited to offer you a unique opportunity to join W.F. Baird & Associates (Baird) as an Accounting Manager on our Madison, Wisconsin–based finance team. Openings like this are rare and play an important part in our long-term succession planning.

If you're an experienced accounting professional who enjoys improving processes, solving complex financial challenges, and wants to grow into a senior finance leadership role, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for.

This is a chance to create a clear, stable career trajectory within a supportive and growing organization. To be successful, you’ll need to be based in the Madison, WI area and be comfortable with a hybrid schedule.

As the Accounting Manager, you will play a key role in managing Baird's accounting operations while helping shape the future of our finance function. Working directly with the Controller/CFO, you'll gain exposure to every aspect of Baird's financial operations—from financial reporting and process improvements to strategic planning, budgeting, and system enhancements. This role is designed for someone who enjoys being hands-on while building the experience needed to grow into a senior finance leadership position over time.

Key Responsibilities

• Process Improvement & Strategic Projects: Enhance accounting procedures, contribute to financial system implementations, and develop reporting standards.
• Reconciliations & Financial Reporting: Lead general ledger reconciliations, produce financial reports, and prepare audit-ready documentation.
• Governance & Compliance: Ensure compliance with GAAP/IFRS, tax requirements, and internal financial policies.
• General Accounting & Close: Develop and review journal entries, assist with revenue recognition, and provide financial insights.
• Payroll Administration & Processing: Manage payroll operations, ensure system accuracy, and coordinate with external providers.
• Accounts Payable & Receivable: Handle accounts payable and expense reimbursements, maintain invoices and collections, and collaborate with teams.
• Additional Duties: Lead cross-functional initiatives, provide accounting policy guidance, and offer training and technical support.

Succession Path & Development (Career Progression):

You'll receive direct mentorship from our Controller/CFO while progressively taking on responsibilities such as budgeting, forecasting, strategic planning, ERP ownership, and supervising accounting staff. This role is intentionally designed to prepare you for future finance leadership opportunities within Baird.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related field
• 8+ years of progressively responsible accounting experience. Experience supporting multi-entity and/or international operations is a plus
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and experience with ERP & HRM systems for accounting and payroll
• Ability to synthesize and communicate complex financial data
• Deep understanding of GAAP and financial reporting standards
• A willingness to balance strategic initiatives with hands-on accounting responsibilities

Additional Preferred Qualifications That Make You Stand Out

• Demonstrated ability to lead projects, meet deadlines, and manage competing priorities
• CPA designation (or equivalent); CMA, CGA, or CA is preferred
• Experience with ERP and HRIS platforms such as Deltek Vantagepoint, Rippling, or similar systems
• Understanding of international financial reporting and payroll compliance

W.F. Baird & Associates (Baird) is committed to providing an inclusive work environment for all and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, genetics, or citizenship status (when otherwise legally authorized to work) and will not be discriminated against based on such characteristics or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where Baird operates.

Please note that applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States, both now and in the future, without requiring employer sponsorship. Due to the nature of this opportunity, finalists will be required to complete a financial and background check.

Note to staffing agencies: We are not partnering with staffing firms or recruiters. Please do not contact us regarding this position.

PI286131854