ZipRecruiter
Description
We are seeking a seasoned, strategic, and highly detail-oriented Senior Manager of Payroll Operations to lead and scale our complex, multi-jurisdictional payroll function. This is a mission-critical leadership role responsible for ensuring the timely, accurate, and compliant processing of payroll for a large and dynamic workforce.
The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of progressive payroll leadership experience, with a proven track record managing large, high-volume payroll operations (20,000+ employees ), leading teams, implementing process improvements, and navigating complex regulatory and compliance requirements. This role demands a strong command of payroll systems, exceptional leadership capabilities, and the ability to manage risk while driving operational excellence.
This position reports directly to the Director of Payroll and works closely with senior leadership across HR, Finance, Legal, and Compliance
Key Responsibilities Payroll Operations Oversight
Lead end-to-end payroll operations across multiple pay groups, jurisdictions, and entities
Ensure timely and accurate processing of regular, off-cycle, bonus, and termination payrolls
Drive the execution of audits, reconciliations, and controls to ensure data integrity
Oversee payroll funding, general ledger interfaces, and labor allocations
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local tax laws and labor regulations
Leadership & Strategy
Manage, mentor, and develop a team of payroll managers, leads, and specialists
Establish operational KPIs, dashboards, and SLAs to track and report performance
Partner with Finance, HR, Legal, and IT to streamline processes and improve cross-functional outcomes
Lead payroll transformation and automation initiatives, including system upgrades, integrations, and vendor evaluations
Compliance & Risk Management
Maintain strong internal controls and ensure SOX and audit readiness
Respond to audits, inquiries, and escalations from government agencies, internal departments, and external partners
Oversee year-end processing, including W-2s, tax reconciliation, and distribution
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in business, accounting or related field and 10+ years of progressive payroll leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior management role. Additional years of relevant Payroll experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Proven experience managing payroll for a large, complex, multi-state (or multi-country) organization
Deep expertise in federal, state, and local payroll compliance and tax regulations
Strong experience with payroll systems such as UKG (UltiPro), Workday, ADP, SAP, or Costpoint
Experience implementing or upgrading payroll systems or integrating with HRIS/ERP platforms
Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Qualifications
CPP certification
Experience in union, government contractor, or hourly/salaried mixed environments
Familiarity with garnishments, multi-state taxation, and payroll accounting
At Leidos, we don’t want someone who "fits the mold"—we want someone who melts it down and builds something better. This is a role for the restless, the over-caffeinated, the ones who ask, “what’s next?” before the dust settles on “what’s now.”
If you’re already scheming step 20 while everyone else is still debating step 2… good. You’ll fit right in.
Original Posting:
September 9, 2025
Pay Range:
Pay Range $101,400.00 - $183,300.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of progressive payroll leadership experience, with a proven track record managing large, high-volume payroll operations (20,000+ employees ), leading teams, implementing process improvements, and navigating complex regulatory and compliance requirements. This role demands a strong command of payroll systems, exceptional leadership capabilities, and the ability to manage risk while driving operational excellence.
This position reports directly to the Director of Payroll and works closely with senior leadership across HR, Finance, Legal, and Compliance
Key Responsibilities Payroll Operations Oversight
Lead end-to-end payroll operations across multiple pay groups, jurisdictions, and entities
Ensure timely and accurate processing of regular, off-cycle, bonus, and termination payrolls
Drive the execution of audits, reconciliations, and controls to ensure data integrity
Oversee payroll funding, general ledger interfaces, and labor allocations
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local tax laws and labor regulations
Leadership & Strategy
Manage, mentor, and develop a team of payroll managers, leads, and specialists
Establish operational KPIs, dashboards, and SLAs to track and report performance
Partner with Finance, HR, Legal, and IT to streamline processes and improve cross-functional outcomes
Lead payroll transformation and automation initiatives, including system upgrades, integrations, and vendor evaluations
Compliance & Risk Management
Maintain strong internal controls and ensure SOX and audit readiness
Respond to audits, inquiries, and escalations from government agencies, internal departments, and external partners
Oversee year-end processing, including W-2s, tax reconciliation, and distribution
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in business, accounting or related field and 10+ years of progressive payroll leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior management role. Additional years of relevant Payroll experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Proven experience managing payroll for a large, complex, multi-state (or multi-country) organization
Deep expertise in federal, state, and local payroll compliance and tax regulations
Strong experience with payroll systems such as UKG (UltiPro), Workday, ADP, SAP, or Costpoint
Experience implementing or upgrading payroll systems or integrating with HRIS/ERP platforms
Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Qualifications
CPP certification
Experience in union, government contractor, or hourly/salaried mixed environments
Familiarity with garnishments, multi-state taxation, and payroll accounting
At Leidos, we don’t want someone who "fits the mold"—we want someone who melts it down and builds something better. This is a role for the restless, the over-caffeinated, the ones who ask, “what’s next?” before the dust settles on “what’s now.”
If you’re already scheming step 20 while everyone else is still debating step 2… good. You’ll fit right in.
Original Posting:
September 9, 2025
Pay Range:
Pay Range $101,400.00 - $183,300.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr