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Payroll Operations Manager Jobs in Milwaukee, WI

Robert Half

Payroll Manager

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

We are looking for an experienced Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations for a Milwaukee, Wisconsin area organization. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely payroll processing ...

Robert Half

Senior Payroll Specialist

Oak Creek, WI · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

We are looking for an experienced Senior Payroll Specialist to oversee accurate and compliant payroll operations for a growing workforce in Wisconsin. This role requires someone who can manage ...

Marcus Corporation

Payroll Manager

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

Plan, organize, assign, and supervise payroll operations, including direct participation in ... Prepare, manage, and monitor the payroll department budget and expenditures * Design and implement ...

Robert Half

Payroll Administrator

Oak Creek, WI · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

... operations. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who can manage payroll processing across a large employee population while working effectively with multiple payroll, HRIS, and ...

Ulta Beauty

Operations Manager

Brookfield, WI · On-site

GENERAL SUMMARY & SCOPE The Operations Manager (OM) is responsible for leading through Ulta Beauty ... Leverage store forecast and payroll budgets to support with store scheduling needs and communicate ...

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Operations Manager

Brookfield, WI · On-site

GENERAL SUMMARY & SCOPE The Operations Manager (OM) is responsible for leading through Ulta Beauty ... Leverage store forecast and payroll budgets to support with store scheduling needs and communicate ...

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Operations Manager

Brookfield, WI · On-site

GENERAL SUMMARY & SCOPE The Operations Manager (OM) is responsible for leading through Ulta Beauty ... Leverage store forecast and payroll budgets to support with store scheduling needs and communicate ...

Bear Country Inc

Operations Manager

Caledonia, WI · On-site

BCI Operations Manager SUMMARY: The BCI Operations Manager oversees all aspects of Bear Country ... Making sure schedules are out on time and staff is aware of their schedules. 4. Assists in payroll ...

Bakertilly

Senior Payroll Consultant

Milwaukee, WI · On-site +1

... focused on payroll operations, compliance, and process improvement. You'll work closely with ... Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a team-oriented environment

Aptive Environmental

Operations Manager

New Berlin, WI · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

... Manages payroll for all Service Professionals, Lead Service Professionals, and Operations Supervisors within the service center Set a clear vision and expectations for the work group Strive to ...

Aptive Environmental

Operations Manager

New Berlin, WI · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

... Manages payroll for all Service Professionals, Lead Service Professionals, and Operations Supervisors within the service center Set a clear vision and expectations for the work group Strive to ...

Aptive Environmental

Operations Manager

New Berlin, WI

$60K - $70K/yr

... Manages payroll for all Service Professionals, Lead Service Professionals, and Operations Supervisors within the service center Set a clear vision and expectations for the work group Strive to ...

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All JobsPayroll Operations JobsPayroll Operations Manager JobsPayroll Operations Manager Jobs in Milwaukee, WI

Payroll Operations Manager information

See Milwaukee, WI salary details

$41.4K

$88.1K

$131K

How much do payroll operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for payroll operations manager in Milwaukee, WI is $88,077.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $102,500.00 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 Milwaukee, WI?

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

What job categories do people searching Payroll Operations Manager jobs in Milwaukee, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Payroll Operations Manager jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:

What cities near Milwaukee, WI are hiring for Payroll Operations Manager jobs?

Cities near Milwaukee, WI with the most Payroll Operations Manager job openings:

Payroll Operations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payroll Operations Manager job openings in Milwaukee, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,077 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

Payroll Manager

Robert Half

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations for a Milwaukee, Wisconsin area organization. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely payroll processing across multiple states while maintaining compliance with wage and tax regulations. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership skills, deep knowledge of end-to-end payroll administration, and the ability to improve processes in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.


Responsibilities:

• Direct end-to-end payroll processing for a workforce of more than 500 employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and confidentiality.

• Oversee multi-state payroll activities, including earnings, deductions, garnishments, and other payroll adjustments in accordance with applicable regulations.

• Manage bi-monthly payroll cycles and verify that all payments are completed correctly and on schedule.

• Lead payroll tax administration by reviewing filings, supporting reconciliations, and helping ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.

• Supervise and support payroll staff, providing guidance, accountability, and day-to-day operational leadership.

• Review payroll records and reports to identify discrepancies, resolve issues promptly, and strengthen internal controls.

• Partner with HR, finance, and related teams to ensure employee data changes are reflected accurately in payroll processing.

• Maintain payroll procedures and support continuous improvement efforts to increase efficiency and service quality.

• Demonstrated experience managing full-cycle payroll operations in a complex business environment.

• Strong background handling payroll for employees across multiple states.

• Experience administering payroll for organizations with more than 500 employees.

• Knowledge of payroll tax practices, filings, and compliance requirements.

• Prior leadership experience with responsibility for supervising payroll personnel or functions.

• Hands-on experience managing bi-monthly payroll schedules with a high degree of accuracy.

• Bachelors Degree in related field required

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About Robert Half

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1948, Robert Half pioneered the idea of professional talent solutions to connect opportunities at great companies with highly skilled job seekers. As business needs changed, we evolved to offer specialized talent solutions for finance and accounting, technology, administrative and customer support, creative and marketing, and legal fields. In 2002, we introduced our subsidiary, Protiviti, a global independent risk consulting and internal audit service, to support companies as they faced more strategic business challenges.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Ramon, CA, US

Year founded

1948

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