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Payroll Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arch Capital Group

AVP, Payroll Operations

Raleigh, NC · On-site

The Assistant Vice President (AVP), Payroll Operations is a senior payroll leader responsible for ... risk management. The AVP advances service excellence and payroll modernization in support of ...

Archgroup

AVP, Payroll Operations

Raleigh, NC · Hybrid

The Assistant Vice President (AVP), Payroll Operations is a senior payroll leader responsible for ... risk management. The AVP advances service excellence and payroll modernization in support of ...

Archgroup

AVP, Payroll Operations

Raleigh, NC · Hybrid

The Assistant Vice President (AVP), Payroll Operations is a senior payroll leader responsible for ... risk management. The AVP advances service excellence and payroll modernization in support of ...

Patrick Industries

Payroll Operations Lead

Elkhart, IN · On-site

The Payroll Operations Lead is responsible for leading and executing all aspects of enterprise ... Establish and manage payroll across multiple FEINs within a unified operating model * Evaluate ...

Akima, LLC

Manager, Payroll Operations

Herndon, VA · On-site

$145K - $160K/yr

Payroll related set up for new contracts/companies. * Managing the activities of a centralized ... Studying and standardizing procedures to improve efficiency of payroll operation. * The employment ...

WSU -

Payroll Operations Supervisor

Dayton, OH

$60K/yr

Proven experience managing complex tax reporting, including year-end processes (W-2s). * Experience ... Payroll Operations & Team Leadership (40%) * Directly supervise, mentor, and evaluate payroll ...

AEG

Director Payroll Operations

San Antonio, TX · On-site

The Director of Payroll Operations is a strategic and operational leader responsible for overseeing ... Manage and develop payroll staff to ensure accuracy of payroll information and implementation of ...

OpenAI

US Payroll Operations

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180K - $200K/yr

We are seeking a seasoned US Payroll Operations expert to scale, and continuously improve the ... Ability to independently manage multiple competing priorities, take ownership of outcomes, and ...

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Payroll Operations Manager information

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$42K

$89.4K

$133K

How much do payroll operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for payroll operations manager in the United States is $89,396.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Payroll Operations Manager, and why are they important?

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.

How much do payroll managers get?

Payroll managers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, location, and company size. They oversee payroll processing, ensure compliance with tax laws, and often use payroll software like ADP or SAP. Salaries can vary widely based on industry and certifications such as CPP or FPC.

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 streamline operations. Strong attention to detail and knowledge of payroll regulations 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.

How much do payroll managers make?

Payroll managers typically earn an average salary of around $70,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on experience, company size, and industry. In larger organizations or with specialized skills like proficiency in payroll software and compliance knowledge, salaries can exceed $100,000. Compensation may also include benefits such as bonuses and health insurance.

What is the highest paying job in payroll?

The highest paying roles in payroll typically include Payroll Director or Payroll Vice President, who oversee payroll operations and strategy at an executive level. These positions often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of payroll systems and compliance, with salaries significantly higher than standard payroll manager roles.
More about Payroll Operations Manager jobs
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Payroll Operations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payroll Operations Manager job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,396 per year, or $43 per hour.
Director, Payroll Operations

Director, Payroll Operations

Employer Flexible

Houston, TX

Other

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Why This Role Matters

Payroll is one of the most critical services we deliver to our clients and their employees. As Director of Payroll Operations, you will lead the team responsible for ensuring thousands of employees are paid accurately, on time, and in compliance across multiple states.

This role oversees Payroll Managers and payroll teams operating across multiple offices and markets. Because these teams do not all sit in the same location, this leader must create strong operational alignment, clear processes, and consistent service delivery across a distributed organization. Your leadership will help unify payroll operations, strengthen collaboration across offices, and build a scalable payroll function that supports the company’s continued growth.

Position Summary

The Director of Payroll Operations provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the company’s payroll function across multiple markets. This role leads Payroll Managers and their teams responsible for delivering payroll services for a diverse client base within a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) environment.

The Director will focus on operational excellence, payroll accuracy, compliance, and team leadership while driving continuous improvement across payroll systems, processes, and service delivery. This role partners closely with client service teams, HR consulting, benefits operations, accounting, and implementation teams to ensure a seamless payroll experience for clients and their employees.

The ideal candidate is a strong operational leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can lead distributed teams across multiple locations, and understands the complexity of multi-client payroll operations.

Key ResponsibilitiesPayroll Operations Leadership
  • Provide leadership and oversight of payroll operations across multiple markets and offices.
  • Lead Payroll Managers responsible for day-to-day payroll execution and team performance.
  • Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing across multiple pay schedules including weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payrolls.
  • Establish operational standards, controls, and best practices to ensure consistency across payroll teams.
  • Monitor payroll performance metrics and implement improvements that strengthen accuracy and operational efficiency.
Team Leadership and Development
  • Lead, coach, and develop Payroll Managers and their teams of payroll specialists.
  • Build a high-performing payroll organization capable of supporting company growth.
  • Establish clear expectations for accountability, collaboration, and service excellence.
  • Promote consistent communication and coordination across teams located in multiple offices and states.
Client Experience and Service Delivery
  • Partner closely with Client Success, HR Consulting, and Implementation teams to ensure seamless payroll delivery.
  • Serve as the escalation point for complex payroll issues and client concerns.
  • Support client retention by ensuring payroll challenges are resolved quickly and effectively.
  • Promote proactive communication and service standards that strengthen client relationships.
Compliance and Risk Management
  • Ensure payroll operations comply with all federal, state, and local wage and tax regulations.
  • Maintain strong internal controls around payroll processing, funding verification, and ACH activity.
  • Partner with accounting and finance teams to ensure accurate reporting and reconciliation.
  • Support internal audits and regulatory compliance initiatives.
Systems and Process Improvement
  • Support adoption and effective use of payroll and CRM systems across payroll teams.
  • Identify opportunities to improve payroll workflows, documentation, and operational efficiency.
  • Partner with internal teams to resolve system issues and support technology enhancements.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance payroll accuracy, efficiency, and client experience.
Qualifications
  • 8+ years of payroll experience, preferably within a PEO, multi-client payroll environment, or high-volume payroll operation
  • 3+ years of leadership experience managing managers or large operational teams
  • Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, and payroll tax fundamentals
  • Experience leading teams across multiple offices or locations
  • Proven ability to operate in a fast-paced operational environment
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
  • Excellent communication and leadership abilities
Preferred Qualifications
  • Professional Employer Organization (PEO) experience
  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification
  • Experience with payroll system implementations or migrations
  • Experience leading operational process improvement initiatives
Systems and Tools
  • Microsoft Dynamics CRM
  • myHR payroll platform (myHR 1.0 / myHR 2.0)
  • Microsoft Office Suite
Our Culture

We operate in a fast-paced, collaborative environment focused on delivering exceptional service to our clients and their employees. Our leaders embody our core values:

  • Have Fun
  • Be Selective
  • Be Humble
  • No Surprises
  • Want It

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