Payroll Manager

Location: Lexington, KY 
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Firm Partner 

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Payroll Manager to oversee and manage payroll processing for a diverse portfolio of business clients. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced accounting environment, enjoys building strong client relationships, and has a passion for accuracy, compliance, and exceptional service.

As the Payroll Manager, you will serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related matters, ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations. You will collaborate closely with our accounting and tax teams to provide seamless payroll solutions that support our clients' businesses.  

Essential Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

• Manage payroll processing for multiple clients across various industries and pay schedules. 
• Process weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payrolls. 
• Review payroll for accuracy, completeness, and compliance before processing. 
• Calculate wages, overtime, bonuses, commissions, garnishments, PTO, and deductions. 
• Process payroll adjustments, voids, off-cycle payrolls, and corrections as needed. 
• Ensure payroll taxes are accurately calculated and remitted. 

Client Management

• Serve as the primary payroll contact for assigned clients. 
• Build trusted relationships through proactive communication and outstanding customer service. 
• Respond promptly to payroll questions and resolve issues efficiently. 
• Educate clients on payroll best practices and compliance requirements. 
• Assist clients with onboarding new employees and payroll setup. 

Compliance & Reporting

• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws. 
• Process and review quarterly and annual payroll tax filings. 
• Coordinate W-2, W-3, 1099 (as applicable), and year-end payroll reporting. 
• Stay current on payroll legislation and communicate regulatory changes to clients and internal staff. 
• Assist with payroll audits and respond to agency notices. 

Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintain employee payroll records with strict confidentiality. 
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll workflows and increase efficiency. 
• Assist with payroll software implementation and client conversions. 
• Develop standardized procedures and documentation. 
• Collaborate with accounting staff to ensure payroll data integrates accurately into financial reporting. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• 3+ years of payroll processing experience. 
• Experience processing payroll for multiple companies or clients. 
• Strong understanding of payroll tax laws and employment regulations. 
• High attention to detail with exceptional organizational skills. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Strong customer service mindset. 
• Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office. 

Preferred

• Experience working in a CPA, accounting, bookkeeping, or tax firm. 
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation. 
• Experience with QuickBooks Payroll, Patriot, ADP, Gusto, Paychex, UKG, or similar payroll software. 
• Familiarity with accounting principles and bookkeeping. 
• Experience with multi-state payroll processing.