Position Summary: The Payroll Manager is a strategic partner in our HR and Finance operations, responsible for overseeing the full lifecycle of payroll processing for our growing workforce. This role goes beyond standard processing; the ideal candidate is a "builder" with proven experience establishing payroll infrastructures for new facility openings across multiple states. You will serve as the subject matter expert on ADP Workforce Now, multi-state tax compliance, and wage and hour laws, ensuring that as our footprint expands, our payroll operations remain accurate, compliant, and efficient.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Multi-State Payroll Management:
  • Manage the end-to-end processing of weekly/bi-weekly payroll for approximately 350+ employees (and growing) across multiple states.
  • Ensure accurate calculation of wages, tax withholdings, benefit deductions, garnishments, and 401(k) contributions.
• New Site Implementation (Expansion):
  • Lead the payroll setup for new site acquisitions and openings. This includes researching local labor laws, registering for State Unemployment Insurance (SUI), and setting up state/local income tax withholding accounts prior to operational go-live.
  • Configure new locations within ADP, ensuring correct cost centers, department codes, and geolocation parameters are established.
• ADP System Administration:
  • Serve as the primary administrator for ADP Workforce Now. Optimize system usage, manage upgrades, and troubleshoot technical issues.
  • Create and maintain custom reports for Finance and HR leadership (e.g., labor distribution, overtime analysis, turnover reports).
• Compliance & Taxation:
  • Ensure strict compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws (FLSA), including complex overtime calculations and state-specific final pay regulations.
  • Manage quarter-end and year-end processing, including the reconciliation and distribution of W-2s and checking third-party tax filings against the General Ledger.
• Process Improvement:
  • Develop and document Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for payroll processing and new site setups to ensure business continuity.
  • Audit payroll data regularly to identify and resolve discrepancies before they impact employees.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field preferred.
• Experience:
  • 5+ years of progressive payroll experience.
  • Required: Proven experience setting up payroll for new business locations/states (registering tax accounts, setting up UI, navigating local laws).
  • Strong background in multi-state payroll processing.
• Technical Skills: Expert proficiency in ADP Workforce Now is required. High proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables).
• Knowledge: Deep understanding of FLSA, multi-state tax laws, and taxable fringe benefits.
• Certifications: Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation is highly preferred.

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facilities.

Work Environment:

• Professional office environment (or hybrid, depending on company policy).
• Fast-paced environment with strict deadlines.

Travel Requirements:

• Travel will be required, particularly during the first 3-6 months of training and transition. Additionally, occasional travel to company locations or for professional development may be required.

Equipment Used:

• Laptop/Desktop Computer, ADP Workforce Now software, Microsoft Office Suite, standard office equipment.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• This position does not currently have direct reports, but may change due to business demand.
• Serves as a mentor and escalation point for payroll-related inquiries.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us:

• Health Coverage That Starts Fast – Medical, Dental & Vision kicks in the first of the month after just 30 days.
• Smile on Us – We’re covering your dental premiums for all of 2026!
• Security You Can Count On – Paid Life Insurance + 401(k) with company match.
• Time Off from Day One – PTO, holidays, and 2 floating holidays for flexibility.
• Weekly Paychecks – Because waiting is overrated.
• Invest in YOU – Full tuition grants & tuition reimbursement.
• Celebrate Success – Quarterly performance bonuses.

Hayes Company/Knight Swift Warehousing and Fulfillment is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment regardless of race, gender identity, gender expression, age, color, religion, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor.