Payroll Manager (SAO)

The State Accounting Office (SAO) provides accounting and financial reporting expertise for the State and is statutorily responsible for statewide financial reporting. The SAO also provides enterprise oversight and management of the State’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, accounting policy development, financial business process improvement recommendations, and management of the payroll and accounting shared service centers.

The State Accounting Office (SAO) Payroll Manager is responsible for ensuring all employees are paid accurately and on schedule, while maintaining strict compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.  This role requires a strategic, detail-oriented leader who can effectively manage a team, optimize payroll processes and systems, and safeguard sensitive financial information.  The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with strong analytical skills and a commitment to operational excellence.

Important Notes:

Candidates interested in employment with the SAO must:

·        Successfully pass a background check, including, criminal background/records check, employment and education verification, employment reference checks, credit evaluation and professional license checks, where applicable

·        Upon, and throughout, employment, both reside and work in the State of Georgia; and

·        Have current legal authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship. The SAO does not sponsor, or support employment based on non-immigrant visas, now or in the future, including but not limited to H-1B, F1, M1, J1, E2 or any other visa category

Mgr, Payroll (SAO) – Payroll Manager (FIM071)

Pay Grade: M

Salary Range: $56,310.72 - $73,677.24

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in a related field OR 3+ years of payroll experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role. Note: An equivalent combination of knowledge, education, job or internship experience, training, or certifications that provide the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully perform the job at the level listed may be substituted year-over-year.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

·         Manage the full-cycle payroll process, including the collection, calculation and entry of data for salaries, benefits, garnishments, and taxes

·         Ensure adherence to all wage and hour laws (e.g., FSLA) and manage the timely filing of quarterly and annual payroll taxes, including W-2 and ACA reporting

·         Recruit, train, and supervise payroll staff, overseeing their daily workflow and providing performance evaluations

·         Maintain payroll software (e.g., ADP, Workday, PeopleSoft) and identify opportunities for automation to improve efficiency

·         Conduct regular internal audits and facilitate external audits by providing necessary records and documentation

·         Prepare accurate financial reports and payroll metrics for senior management to assist in strategic decision making

·         Serve as the primary point of contact for complex payroll inquiries, resolving discrepancies and issues with high professionalism

Preferred Qualifications:

·         High Proficiency with standard office software (e.g., Excel, Word, Outlook) for data analysis, documentation, and reporting

·         Experience with TeamWorks (PeopleSoft) payroll or other large enterprise payroll, particularly in a public‑sector or multi‑agency environment

·         Exposure to Workday or GA@Work payroll, time tracking, or HCM modules through work experience, coursework, or implementation projects

·         Experience working in a shared services or centralized service delivery model supporting multiple business units or agencies

GA@WORK Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

·         Responsibility: N/A

·         Level of Accountability: N/A

·         Training & Support: N/A

·         Integration w/Standard Duties:

·         Role-Specific Additions:

Additional Information:

Please complete all sections of the application. A resume does not substitute for a complete work experience section.

All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification. This posting may close at any time prior to the published closing date once a suitable applicant pool is identified. 

The State Accounting Office is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

The State Accounting Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer