Payroll Manager

ABOUT Slate

At Slate, we’re building safe, reliable vehicles that people can afford, personalize and love—and doing it here in the USA as part of our commitment to reindustrialization. The spirit of DIY and customization runs throughout every element of a Slate, because people should have control over how their trucks look, feel, and represent them.

Slate is currently seeking a dynamic, highly organized, and experienced Payroll Manager to join our growing team at Slate. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a transformative organization at the forefront of sustainable mobility.

The Payroll Manager will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of payroll processing, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant execution in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in multistate payroll, payroll tax compliance, audit preparation, and vendor management. Key responsibilities include managing end-to-end payroll operations, ensuring W-2 accuracy, generating reports, and collaborating closely with our payroll provider to maintain compliance with evolving payroll laws. Attention to detail, discretion, and a commitment to providing exceptional support to employees and the HR team are critical for success in this role. This position requires someone who can thrive in a fast-paced, startup environment—navigating ambiguity, shifting priorities, and evolving business needs with confidence and agility.

Payroll Processing & Operations

• Oversee and maintain payroll processing systems to ensure the accurate and timely execution of payroll transactions, including salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions.
• Process biweekly payroll for 500+ employees—both hourly and salaried—across multiple states, with a focus on supporting rapid growth within the manufacturing plant.
• Ensure all payroll updates are processed accurately and on time, including new hires, terminations, pay rate changes, and off-cycle payments (e.g., bonuses).
• Manage accurate calculation and reporting of overtime, deductions, and earnings.
• Collaborate with time and attendance systems to ensure accurate timekeeping for hourly employees.
• Provide payroll support for newly established manufacturing facilities, including onboarding hourly payroll processes.

Compliance & Tax Administration

• Establish the process to ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, including payroll tax regulations and labor standards.
• Monitor and implement changes related to payroll tax laws and ensure proper registration for state tax withholding in all applicable jurisdictions, collaborating with the Tax team as needed.
• Notify tax team when an employee is hired in a new state for Tax team to register and apply for tax withholdings, unemployment and other requirements.
• Facilitate internal and external audits by providing requested payroll records and documentation.
• Collaborate with Tax team on payroll tax issues, tracking status by state, etc.

Records & Reporting

• Verify and maintain payroll records, reports, and documentation in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare reports summarizing payroll expenditures and support Finance with payroll-related reporting as needed.

Employee Support

• Respond promptly to employee payroll inquiries and resolve discrepancies.

Process Improvement & Team Support

• Identify and recommend process improvements, system upgrades, and policy changes to enhance payroll accuracy and efficiency.
• Train and support back-up payroll staff, ensuring they are up to date on compliance requirements and process changes.

What you bring to the team:

• Minimum of 7 - 10 years of experience managing all aspects of payroll for a workforce of 500 or more employees.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, human resources, or a related field is required. CPA or payroll certification preferred.
• Experience managing payroll processing in Workday.
• Extensive knowledge of and experience with the payroll function including preparation, balancing, internal control, and payroll taxes.
• Thorough understanding of and experience with payroll-related laws and regulations, especially in a multistate operation.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Proficient with payroll software.
• Ability to prepare bi-weekly payroll for audit review.
• Demonstrated proficiency in numerical, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Proven organizational skills and keen attention to detail.
• Capability to prioritize tasks and delegate when necessary.
• Ability to maintain integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality in all actions.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.

Why Join Team Slate? 

We’re fueled by grit, determination, and attention to detail. Slate’s start-up spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness moves our business forward. Team Slate fosters a culture of excellence, innovation, and mutual respect, and is motivated by shared principles. 

• Safety First
• Delight Customers
• One Team
• Relentless Improvement
• Fast, Frugal and Scrappy
• Respectful Collaboration
• Positive Legacy

We want to work with people that reflect the communities in which we operate.

• Slate is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure and life experiences.  Or for any other reason.
• Slate is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at recar-talent_acquisition@slate.auto.