PMA Consultants
Payroll Manager
As Payroll Manager, you will oversee the end-to-end payroll for all U.S. operations across the firm, ensuring timely, accurate payroll processing in full compliance with federal and state regulations and company policies. You will lead the payroll team, act as the primary liaison between Finance, HR, and third-party payroll vendors, and own payroll audits, process improvements, and reporting. You will develop and document payroll procedures, resolve escalated issues, and support system integrations and upgrades. Organizational Responsibilities
Manage payroll operations for all U.S.-based employees and entities Supervise and mentor payroll staff, ensuring efficient, compliant payroll execution Ensure compliance with all federal and state wage, tax, and labor regulations Partner with HR, Accounting, and Legal teams to maintain accurate employee and payroll data Review, approve, and reconcile each payroll cycle, including bonuses, retroactive pay, and off-cycle payments Manage payroll tax setup, filings, and registrations in all active U.S. states Oversee preparation and posting of payroll-related journal entries and account reconciliations Lead relationships with third-party payroll vendors and resolve processing issues Create and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and documentation to support audit readiness Manage internal payroll audits and support external audits as required Prepare and distribute payroll-related reports for leadership and other departments Collaborate with IT and HRIS teams to support payroll system updates, testing, and data accuracy Perform other duties as assigned Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, human resources, or related field preferred 7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including 2+ years of payroll team supervision Deep understanding of U.S. payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements Proven ability to lead payroll processing across multiple states and complex organizational structures Strong technical skills, including Excel and payroll/HRIS systems (e.g., Paylocity, Deltek Vision, Microsoft Dynamics 365) Experience managing vendor relationships and third-party payroll services Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or similar designation strongly preferred Exceptional analytical, communication, and leadership skills Location and Commitments
Overtime work may be required to ensure client projects are delivered on time Weekend work is rare but occasionally may be necessary Hybrid role based out of our Ann Arbor office Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
An employee must meet the physical demands described here to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Please note that physical requirements may vary based on client needs. Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office environment including the use of stairs. Ability to adjust focus, especially due to concentration on a computer screen. Must communicate frequently with other departments and employees both verbally and in writing. May need to lift and carry up to 15 pounds and/or position the body to reach items on the floor/below knee level or overhead.
As Payroll Manager, you will oversee the end-to-end payroll for all U.S. operations across the firm, ensuring timely, accurate payroll processing in full compliance with federal and state regulations and company policies. You will lead the payroll team, act as the primary liaison between Finance, HR, and third-party payroll vendors, and own payroll audits, process improvements, and reporting. You will develop and document payroll procedures, resolve escalated issues, and support system integrations and upgrades. Organizational Responsibilities
Manage payroll operations for all U.S.-based employees and entities Supervise and mentor payroll staff, ensuring efficient, compliant payroll execution Ensure compliance with all federal and state wage, tax, and labor regulations Partner with HR, Accounting, and Legal teams to maintain accurate employee and payroll data Review, approve, and reconcile each payroll cycle, including bonuses, retroactive pay, and off-cycle payments Manage payroll tax setup, filings, and registrations in all active U.S. states Oversee preparation and posting of payroll-related journal entries and account reconciliations Lead relationships with third-party payroll vendors and resolve processing issues Create and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and documentation to support audit readiness Manage internal payroll audits and support external audits as required Prepare and distribute payroll-related reports for leadership and other departments Collaborate with IT and HRIS teams to support payroll system updates, testing, and data accuracy Perform other duties as assigned Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, human resources, or related field preferred 7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including 2+ years of payroll team supervision Deep understanding of U.S. payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements Proven ability to lead payroll processing across multiple states and complex organizational structures Strong technical skills, including Excel and payroll/HRIS systems (e.g., Paylocity, Deltek Vision, Microsoft Dynamics 365) Experience managing vendor relationships and third-party payroll services Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or similar designation strongly preferred Exceptional analytical, communication, and leadership skills Location and Commitments
Overtime work may be required to ensure client projects are delivered on time Weekend work is rare but occasionally may be necessary Hybrid role based out of our Ann Arbor office Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
An employee must meet the physical demands described here to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Please note that physical requirements may vary based on client needs. Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office environment including the use of stairs. Ability to adjust focus, especially due to concentration on a computer screen. Must communicate frequently with other departments and employees both verbally and in writing. May need to lift and carry up to 15 pounds and/or position the body to reach items on the floor/below knee level or overhead.