Payroll Operations Manager

Accounting & Finance | Greater Seattle Area

We're working with a fast-growing, operationally complex organization that is scaling quickly and investing heavily in infrastructure, systems, and people. This role sits at the center of a high-volume payroll environment and will play a key role in building processes that can support continued growth.

This is not a maintenance role. It's a build-and-optimize seat for someone who understands payroll at a deep level and can operate in a fast-moving, detail-heavy environment.

The Role

This position will lead the execution of a large-scale, multi-state payroll function with a mix of hourly, salaried, and union populations. You'll be responsible for ensuring accuracy, compliance, and consistency while also improving the underlying systems and workflows that support payroll operations.

You'll partner cross-functionally with HR, Finance, and operational leadership to ensure payroll aligns with broader business needs, workforce planning, and regulatory requirements.

What You'll Be Doing

• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing across multiple states and employee groups
• Manage complexity tied to union environments, varying pay structures, and jurisdictional requirements
• Build and refine scalable processes to improve efficiency, accuracy, and control
• Identify gaps in current workflows and implement improvements or automation where needed
• Lead and develop a payroll team, setting expectations and driving performance
• Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment across payroll, finance, and HR
• Maintain strong internal controls, documentation, and audit readiness
• Monitor regulatory changes and ensure ongoing compliance

What They're Looking For

• 5+ years of payroll experience in a multi-state environment
• Experience operating in high-volume or operationally complex payroll structures
• Prior exposure to union payroll or similar complexity is highly valued
• Leadership experience managing or mentoring team members
• Strong understanding of payroll compliance, reporting, and reconciliations
• Experience with enterprise-level payroll or HCM systems (Workday, ADP, UKG, Oracle, etc.)
• Process-driven mindset with a focus on continuous improvement
• Ability to operate independently and bring structure to evolving environments

Why This Role

• High visibility role with direct impact on operations
• Opportunity to build and improve rather than inherit something static
• Strong internal investment in systems, people, and process improvement
• Clear path for growth as the organization continues to scale

Compensation

Compensation is competitive and structured to attract top talent in the market. Total package includes base salary, bonus potential, and a comprehensive benefits offering.