Payroll Manager
Location: Rockville, MD (Hybrid: 5 days/week in office for onboarding, then 3 days/week in office)
Industry: Innovative Technology & Life Sciences


Team Size: Large, growing department
A leading organization in the technology and life sciences sector is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to oversee domestic and international payroll operations. This is a hands-on leadership role within a collaborative and expanding department, reporting to the Director of Accounting and managing one direct report.

Position Summary:
The Payroll Manager is responsible for managing day-to-day payroll activities, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, and supporting the company’s monthly close cycle. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in payroll management, experience with multi-state and international payrolls, and a proven ability to lead process improvements in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise and perform all domestic and international payroll functions, including processing timecards, payrolls, maintaining records, and verifying data accuracy
• Manage payroll schedules, workload, and interactions with general ledger and HR teams
• Ensure compliance with government reporting requirements for taxes, withholding, and employer contributions
• Prepare payroll-related journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial reports
• Oversee preparation of monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad hoc analyses and reports
• Develop and implement process changes to improve payroll efficiency and effectiveness
• Establish payroll systems and procedures for new legal entities as needed
• Manage relationships with third-party payroll processing companies in international jurisdictions
• Ensure all statutory reporting and payment deadlines are met
• Interpret company policies to ensure payroll procedures are compliant with federal, state, and local laws
• Prepare wire requests and provide proper coding to Accounts Payable for payroll-related wires
• Support internal and external audits and ensure payroll-related policies and procedures are maintained
• Calculate and record payroll-related accruals, including vacation and bonus, and ensure timely processing of approved expense reports

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, finance, HR, or related discipline required
• Minimum 7 years of payroll or equivalent experience
• 3–5 years of management experience (direct staff supervision or program/process management)
• Experience with multi-state and international payroll required
• Experience with payroll systems such as UKG (UltiPro) preferred
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or other professional certifications a plus
• Strong compliance background with payroll taxes, labor laws, and reporting
• Proven ability to manage payroll for medium to large employee populations
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite, especially Excel
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong analytical skills and ability to evaluate complex data
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and ability to handle confidential information
• Must pass a background check, drug screening, and credit check
• Candidates requiring sponsorship now or in the future cannot be considered

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off and holidays
• Flexible work schedule
• Additional benefits available

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