Payroll Manager

Payroll Manager – Rockville, MD

Overview
Beacon Hill Financial has partnered with a client in Rockville, MD in their search for a Payroll Manager to join their team. This role is responsible for overseeing end-to-end payroll operations, ensuring compliance with federal and multi-state regulations, and leading payroll process improvements. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, and experienced in managing high-volume payroll operations while supporting a collaborative finance and HR environment.

Key Responsibilities
Oversee full-cycle payroll processing for multi-state employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Manage and review payroll calculations, including wages, bonuses, commissions, benefits deductions, and tax withholdings.
Ensure compliance with payroll tax filings, reporting requirements, and year-end processes (W-2s, 1099s, etc.).
Lead payroll audits and reconciliations, including general ledger tie-outs, payroll account analysis, and variance investigation.
Supervise and mentor payroll staff, ensuring quality, efficiency, and adherence to established procedures and deadlines.
Maintain and enhance payroll systems, processes, and internal controls to improve accuracy and operational efficiency.
Partner with HR and Accounting teams to ensure proper integration of employee data, benefits, and compensation changes.
Manage relationships with third-party payroll providers, ensuring service delivery and issue resolution.
Respond to employee payroll inquiries and resolve discrepancies in a timely and professional manner.
Support audits by preparing schedules, documentation, and responding to auditor requests.
Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities within payroll operations.
Prepare internal reporting and support special projects as needed.

Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field preferred.
5+ years of payroll experience required, including multi-state payroll processing.
Previous experience in a payroll leadership or supervisory role required.
Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, tax compliance, and reporting requirements.
Experience with payroll systems such as ADP, Workday, UKG, or similar required.
Intermediate to advanced Excel skills required (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs).
Strong understanding of general ledger impact and payroll reconciliations.
Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally with HR, Accounting, and leadership.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.