Payroll Manager

We are seeking a highly organized and compliance-focused HR and Payroll Manager to lead and oversee our people operations and payroll administration with an emphasis on federal compliance, regulatory reporting, and audit readiness . This role is critical in ensuring our organization adheres to all applicable labor laws, wage and hour regulations, and federal reporting requirements, while also supporting day-to-day HR processes, employee relations, and benefits administration.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Payroll & Compliance:

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for multi-state employees, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in accordance with federal and state wage and hour laws (e.g., FLSA, IRS regulations).
• Maintain accurate payroll records and documentation required for compliance with DOL, IRS, and EEOC audits.
• Monitor and ensure timely submission of all required federal payroll tax filings , including Forms 941, 940, W-2s, and 1099s.
• Collaborate with finance and legal departments to ensure wage garnishments, tax withholdings, and benefit deductions are administered correctly.
• Serve as the point of contact for all federal agency inquiries and audits related to payroll and employee classification.

HR Administration & Regulatory Oversight

• Maintain HR policies, procedures, and employee handbook in full compliance with federal employment laws (FMLA, ADA, EEO, ACA, COBRA, FLSA, etc.).
• Oversee the administration of federally regulated benefit programs, including ACA compliance tracking and reporting (e.g., Forms 1094-C/1095-C) .
• Ensure proper documentation and classification of exempt vs. non-exempt employees and independent contractors in compliance with federal guidelines.
• Maintain employee records in compliance with document retention and privacy regulations (e.g., HIPAA, FCRA, I-9 requirements) .

Reporting & Audit Readiness

• Generate regular reports for leadership on headcount, turnover, pay equity, and benefits utilization to support strategic planning and federal reporting requirements.
• Lead or support the preparation and response to external audits and federal reporting , including EEO-1 reporting and DOL requests.
• Continuously monitor federal regulatory updates and proactively implement necessary changes to maintain compliance.

Employee Relations & Training

• Advise managers and staff on HR policies and procedures with an emphasis on compliance and risk mitigation.
• Conduct internal training on HR policies, ethical practices, and federal workplace regulations.
• Manage employee investigations and grievances in accordance with federal guidelines and company policies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in HR and payroll, with 3+ years in a compliance-heavy role.
• Advanced knowledge of federal labor laws and federal payroll tax regulations .
• Experience with HRIS and payroll systems (e.g., ADP, Paylocity, UKG, or similar).
• Demonstrated success managing complex reporting requirements, audits, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred:

• SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR, or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation.
• Experience working with government contractors or within regulated industries (e.g., healthcare, construction, or federal contracting).