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Payroll Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cliftonlarsonallen

Payroll Operations Leader

Tampa, FL · On-site

CLA is looking to hire a Payroll Operations Director. This role is a key member of the outsourcing ... Process Management: Work with the team to establish best practice workflows, work schedules ...

FOCUSPOINT

Payroll Operations Specialist

New York, NY · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Project specialists provide project management support to deliver projects within the established ... Payroll through content development, payroll administration and operations, and internal ...

Apply Early

Employer Flexible

Payroll Manager

Houston, TX

Payroll Operations Overview We are seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations supporting a growing portfolio of clients and worksite employees within a Professional Employer ...

Employer Flexible

Payroll Manager

Houston, TX · On-site

Payroll Operations Overview We are seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations supporting a growing portfolio of clients and worksite employees within a Professional Employer ...

NANDO'S

Payroll Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

This role oversees end to end payroll operations, multi state compliance, tax processing, and ... The Manager will own day to day payroll operations, lead continuous improvement efforts, and ...

Employer Flexible

Payroll Manager

Houston, TX · On-site

Payroll Operations Overview We are seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations supporting a growing portfolio of clients and worksite employees within a Professional Employer ...

Apply Early

Employer Flexible

Payroll Manager

Houston, TX · On-site

Payroll Operations Overview We are seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations supporting a growing portfolio of clients and worksite employees within a Professional Employer ...

GILLIG

Payroll Manager

Livermore, CA · Hybrid

$75K - $170K/yr

Extensive experience managing multi-state payroll operations and payroll compliance * Hands-on ... experience with SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll * Hands-on experience with UKG Time ...

GILLIG

Payroll Manager

Livermore, CA · On-site

$75K - $170K/yr

Extensive experience managing multi-state payroll operations and payroll compliance * Hands-on ... experience with SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll * Hands-on experience with UKG Time ...

GILLIG

Payroll Manager

Livermore, CA · Hybrid

$75K - $170K/yr

Extensive experience managing multi-state payroll operations and payroll compliance * Hands-on ... experience with SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll * Hands-on experience with UKG Time ...

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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 Jul 2, 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.

Is payroll manager a stressful job?

A payroll manager role involves overseeing payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely payments, which can be stressful during peak periods such as tax season or audits. The job requires attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to handle tight deadlines and sensitive information, which may contribute to stress levels.

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 earn?

Payroll managers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and company size. They often require knowledge of payroll software and compliance regulations to perform their duties effectively.

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 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 highest paying job in payroll?

The highest paying roles in payroll are often senior-level positions such as Payroll Director or Payroll Vice President, which oversee payroll operations and strategy for large organizations. These roles typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of payroll systems and compliance, and they can offer salaries exceeding $100,000 annually depending on the company and location.
More about Payroll Operations Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Payroll Operations Manager jobs? Cities with the most Payroll Operations Manager job openings:
What states have the most Payroll Operations Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Payroll Operations Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Payroll Operations Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Payroll Operations Manager jobs are:
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 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,396 per year, or $43 per hour.
Payroll Operations Leader

Payroll Operations Leader

Cliftonlarsonallen

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago

CliftonLarsonAllen rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 17 rated bookkeepers and accountants

Job description

CLA is a top 10 national professional services firm where our purpose is to create opportunities every day, for our clients, our people, and our communities through industry-focused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services. Even with more than 8,500 people, 130 U.S. locations, and a global reach, we promise to know you and help you.

CLA is dedicated to building a culture that invites different beliefs and perspectives to the table, so we can truly know and help our clients, communities, and each other.

About the role:

CLA is looking to hire a Payroll Operations Director. This role is a key member of the outsourcing HR Systems and Payroll (HRSP) team, providing leadership to the payroll processing service team while exceeding client expectations throughout the payroll process.

As a Payroll Operations Director, you will:

Team Leadership: Oversee payroll processing within the payroll processing team, establish and hold accountability to deliver on best practice process that ensure a high-quality standard of client service is met. Identify and provide training and guidance to payroll pod leaders and payroll analysts. Assist in hiring, coaching, performance, and onboarding of family members. Create a unified team vision for client service and use data/metrics to support decision making and to create a team dashboard to gauge success. Provide support surrounding change management to help the team successfully adapt to the changing payroll environment. Support family members Inspired Careers through providing training opportunities, career path clarity and connection to behavioral competencies.

Process Management: Work with the team to establish best practice workflows, work schedules, policies, and procedures to ensure client experiences are consistent and of high quality. Develop and implement business processes to assure accuracy and efficiency.

Client Service: Manage client relationships and serve as the second escalation point as needed. Facilitate and approve client invoices including follow up to ensure maximized realization occurs. Partner with the implementation team to ensure a smooth handoff of client care and service. Contribute to proposals and establishing fee quotes if appropriate.

Tax Management: Be a collaborative partner with the employment tax team to help ensure that appropriate guidance and process is in place to provide guidance to the team. Monitor progress on state tax registrations for payroll in collaboration with SALT and Employment Tax team. Oversee and manage quarterly tax filing process for the department. Serve as firm wide resource for payroll tax assistance.

Team Communication: Establish a regular cadence to successfully keep pod leaders and payroll analysts engaged and informed of expectations, best practices, policies, and regulation changes, while ensuring a two-way flow of information sharing.

Risk management: Understand firm policies and controls around cash access and independence and implement procedures to protect the firm and our clients. Identify sensitive issues and consult with firmwide service specialists in employee benefits, HR, national and state and local tax as needed.

What you will need:

  • 8 years of relevant experience, including supervisory responsibilities required.

  • Bachelor's degree is required. Combination of relevant experience, education, and training may be accepted in lieu of degree.

  • Degree in business, accounting, human resources, or related field preferred.

  • CPP, PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP required or ability to obtain within 180 days after hire

  • Proficiency with Microsoft (MS) Office products, including MS Excel (or other spreadsheet experience)Experience with HCM/payroll software is required.

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Wellness at CLA

To support our CLA family members, we focus on their physical, financial, social, and emotional well-being and offer comprehensive benefit options that include health, dental, vision, 401k and much more.


To view a complete list of benefits, click here.


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About CliftonLarsonAllen

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) is a leading professional services company based in Minneapolis, MN, US. CLA operates in the accounting industry and offers a broad range of products and services such as wealth advisory, outsourcing, audit, tax, and consulting services. The company was founded in 1953 with a merger between two firms, Clifton Gunderson and LarsonAllen, in 2012. Working in accordance with their mission to create opportunities for clients, people, and communities, they have established a presence across the US, serving privately held businesses, non-profits, and governmental entities. Recognized for their contributions, CLA has received accolades such as the Innovative Firm of the Year award.

Industry

Accounting services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Year founded

2012

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