Senior Payroll Manager, Finance, Central

As a Senior Payroll Manager at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, your main responsibilities will include supervising daily payroll operations for our multi-state employees, ensuring compliance with all payroll tax regulations, and managing payroll-related audits. You'll also lead process improvement initiatives in collaboration with cross-functional teams and mentor your payroll team to achieve high performance.

To be considered for the Senior Payroll Manager position at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, candidates should have a minimum of 12 years of global payroll experience, including at least 5 years in a managerial role. A deep understanding of payroll tax laws, expertise in Workday Payroll, and exceptional communication and leadership skills are crucial for this role.

A Senior Payroll Manager at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative can improve payroll processing systems by implementing industry best practices, leveraging technology solutions like Workday Payroll and ADP Smart Compliance, and optimizing data flow across systems. Continuous collaboration with the People and Business Systems teams is essential in driving efficiencies and enhancing payroll accuracy.

At the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, a Senior Payroll Manager can expect to work in a collaborative and high-energy team environment. The Payroll team values open communication, innovation, and continuous improvement, allowing you to lead and mentor a dedicated group of payroll professionals while contributing to CZI’s important mission.

Growth opportunities for a Senior Payroll Manager at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative include expanding your leadership skills, engaging in cross-functional projects that enhance your strategic thinking, and potential career advancement within the dynamic CZI structure. The organization encourages employees to pursue professional development actively.

In my previous role, I managed payroll processing for over 300 employees across multiple states. I ensured compliance with each state’s regulations and streamlined processes to reduce processing time while maintaining accuracy. My experience working with payroll systems like Workday and ADP has equipped me to handle the complexities of multi-state payroll effectively.

To ensure compliance with payroll tax laws, I stay updated on the latest federal, state, and local regulations. I regularly collaborate with tax advisors and use payroll systems that automatically adjust to legislative changes, ensuring that our payroll practices remain compliant. I also conduct periodic audits to identify areas for improvement.

My strategies for process improvement include analyzing current payroll processes to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies. I encourage team input to develop innovative solutions, and I leverage technology to automate repetitive tasks, enhancing both accuracy and efficiency while ensuring compliance with all payroll regulations.

I have extensive experience in managing payroll systems, including implementation, maintenance, and optimization. I worked closely with IT teams to integrate Workday Payroll and ADP Smart Compliance, ensuring that our system meets operational needs while providing reliable data for decision-making. Regular training sessions for the payroll team were essential to maintaining high system proficiency.

Handling payroll-related audits involves thorough preparation. I ensure all documentation is up-to-date and that processes are well-documented. During an audit, I collaborate with auditors to provide requested information promptly and address any discrepancies identified, continuously improving our processes based on audit feedback.

My approach to team leadership is based on empowerment, collaboration, and ongoing development. I lead by example, ensuring open communication and celebrating team successes. I prioritize training and mentorship to enhance individual skill sets and foster a positive work environment that encourages innovation.

Effective prioritization in a fast-paced payroll environment requires a clear understanding of deadlines and urgency. I utilize project management tools to track tasks, aligning team efforts with organizational priorities. Regular check-ins and a flexible approach help me adapt to sudden changes while maintaining accuracy.

In a previous position, we faced challenges with discrepancies in state tax filings due to payroll system updates. I analyzed the issue, implemented corrective measures to rectify past errors, and optimized our systems to prevent recurrence. This process involved close collaboration with external auditors to ensure compliance.

Communication is crucial in my role as a payroll manager. It ensures clarity between my team, HR, and finance departments regarding policy changes, compliance issues, and employee inquiries. I regularly hold meetings to align our goals and foster a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels heard and valued.

To stay updated on changes in payroll legislation, I subscribe to industry newsletters, attend webinars, and participate in networking groups. I also engage with professional organizations dedicated to payroll and HR compliance, allowing me to stay informed about relevant changes and adaptations necessary for our processes.