Payroll Implementation Manager

Essential Job Functions

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of 1-2 Payroll Specialists, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Lead end-to-end payroll implementations for new clients from kickoff through successful go-live
• Serve as the primary implementation point of contact for clients during onboarding
• Travel to client sites to deliver training and support implementations
• Develop, manage, and communicate implementation timelines and milestones
• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure timely completion of all implementation activities
• Merge, validate, and verify payroll data in client systems, with a strong emphasis on UKG Ready, or support clients remaining on existing payroll platforms
• Learn, document, and configure client-specific payroll processes, including pay codes, earnings, deductions, schedules, and reporting requirements
• Ensure data accuracy, compliance readiness, and system integrity throughout the implementation process
• Partner closely with internal payroll and operations teams to ensure clean, well-documented handoffs following implementation
• Document implementation details and client configurations to support ongoing payroll processing and service delivery
• Deliver client training on payroll systems, processes, and best practices
• Provide onsite implementation support and training when required, including travel to client locations
• Act as a trusted advisor, guiding clients through change management and system adoption

Qualifications

• Generally, any combination of education that would provide the required knowledge and skills for successful performance would qualify.  A typical method of demonstrating these requirements would be:


EDUCATION:  Bachelor's degree and/or related work experience is required. Relevant certifications (e.g., CPP) are a plus.


EXPERIENCE:
• Minimum of 5 years of payroll experience, including at least 3 years in payroll system implementations, professional services, or client onboarding environments
• Demonstrated experience leading payroll implementations, upgrades, or system conversions, from planning through go-live
• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, tax laws, and compliance requirements, with the ability to apply them during system configuration and data validation
• Hands-on proficiency with multiple payroll platforms (e.g., UKG, Paycom, Paycor, or similar), with the ability to quickly learn new systems
• Proven people leadership experience, including coaching, mentoring, or managing implementation or payroll professionals
• Excellent client-facing communication skills, with the ability to manage expectations, explain complex payroll concepts, and guide stakeholders through change
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple implementations and competing priorities
• High level of discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive payroll and employee data
• Adaptability in fast-paced environments, with a proactive and solution-oriented approach to challenges
• Ability to work independently, follow defined implementation methodologies, and drive deliverables to completion
• Familiarity with nonprofit or education-sector payroll environments is a plus
• Knowledge of STRS, PERS, payroll compliance, and HR principles beneficial but not required


KNOWLEDGE OF:
• Purposes, methods, and practices of financial and accounting record keeping.
• Intermediate/Advanced knowledge of payroll and wage and hour laws.
• Intermediate/Advanced Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) skills.
• Proper and effective use of English grammar and communication skills (oral and written).


TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (with or without accommodation as needed to perform essential job functions)
• Read numbers, reports, and documents on computer terminals.
• Use telephone and other communication devices.
• Lift up to 20 pounds (light).
• Prolonged standing, some bending, stooping and stretching.


TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS:
• Ability to give, receive, and analyze information, formulate work plans, prepare written materials and articulate goals and action plans.


WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Work indoors in a standard office environment.
• Occasionally work outside of normal workdays and office hours to meet deadlines.
• Travel may be required for professional development events and to client locations.
• Is required to directly communicate with clients.

What's in it for You?

• As a remote-first organization, we embrace flexibility and collaboration across teams. To support your success, we provide a company-issued laptop along with essential accessories, including a mouse, keyboard, and monitor, to help you create a productive remote workspace.
• Opportunities to connect: Engage in frequent virtual and in-person team-building events.
• Incredible colleagues: Work alongside a passionate team making a real impact.
• Competitive compensation & benefits: Enjoy medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, plus a 401(k) with company match—and much more!
• Generous paid time off: Receive 11 paid company holidays and a winter break from Christmas Day through New Year's Day.
• Employee Referral Bonus Program:  Earn a bonus for successful referrals.