Payroll Manager

Position SummaryMomentum Youth Brands is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to own the end-to-end payroll function as a hands-on individual contributor. This role is responsible for accurate, timely, and compliant multi-state payroll processing through our HRIS-integrated payroll platform, including tax filings, benefits deductions, and payroll accounting. The ideal candidate brings deep U.S. multi-state payroll and tax expertise, strong controls discipline, and the ability to partner closely with HR, Benefits, Accounting, and brand/business unit teams to support the company's continued growth.Key ResponsibilitiesOwn and execute end-to-end payroll processing for all U.S. employees (salaried, hourly, and commissioned / bonused) across multiple states, on bi-weekly cycleAdminister payroll within the HRIS-integrated payroll platform (e.g., Rippling, Workday, UKG, Paylocity); maintain pay codes, earnings/deduction setups, and system configurationsProcess payroll for terminations (including state-specific final pay requirements), off-cycle payments, bonuses, commissions, and retro adjustmentsEnsure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, including overtime, minimum wage, paid sick leave, and pay transparency requirementsManage multi-state payroll tax compliance: state and local withholding setups, unemployment (SUI) registrations, reciprocity agreements, and remote-employee nexusOversee quarterly and annual payroll tax filings (Forms 941, 940, state equivalents) and year-end W-2/W-2c processing; resolve tax agency noticesReconcile benefits and 401(k) deductions with HR/Benefits and third-party administrators; ensure timely remittance of deductions and garnishmentsMaintain and enforce internal controls over payroll, including segregation of duties, pre- and post-payroll audits, change approvals, and fraud preventionPrepare payroll journal entries, accruals, and balance sheet reconciliations (payroll liabilities, tax, and benefits accounts) to support month-end closePartner with HR on data integrity between HRIS and payroll, including compensation changes, PTO accruals, and employee recordsServe as the escalation point for employee payroll inquiries; respond promptly and confidentiallyPrepare payroll metrics, labor cost analyses, and reports for Finance and senior managementSupport internal and external audits, 401(k) plan audits, and workers' compensation auditsIdentify and lead process improvements and automation opportunities within the payroll and time-and-attendance systemsMaintain payroll policies, procedures, and process documentationRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field, or equivalent experience6+ years of progressive U.S. payroll experience, including 3+ years owning multi-state payroll end to endStrong working knowledge of FLSA, federal/state/local payroll tax regulations, and multi-state withholding and unemployment rulesHands-on experience administering payroll in an HRIS-integrated platform (e.g., Rippling, Workday, UKG, Paylocity, ADP Workforce Now)Working knowledge of payroll accounting: journal entries, accruals, and liability reconciliationsAdvanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, reconciliations)High attention to detail, sound judgment, and strict discretion with confidential informationAbility to work independently, meet fixed deadlines, and communicate clearly with employees, HR, and brand/business unit stakeholdersPreferred QualificationsCertified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)Experience implementing or migrating payroll/HRIS systemsExperience with time-and-attendance systems and commission/incentive pay calculationsPrior experience supporting audits and SOX complianceExperience in consumer service or a multi-brand environment