Payroll Manager

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.

Position Description: 

As Payroll Manager, the chosen candidate will be delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out semi-monthly payroll processing for multiple agencies within the State of Georgia enterprise. The primary role is to serve as Team Lead for the day-to-day payroll operation and support our 28+ state agencies and 14,000+ employees, supervise the Payroll Specialists and Technicians on the team, and support the mission and direction of SAO leadership. This is a working manager role where the day-to-day responsibilities are accomplished by directly working with the team, the customers of our shared service, and other internal and external partners. 

Mgr, Account/Financial Svcs (Payroll Manager) – FIM010

Pay Grade: M

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

Primary Duties & Responsibilities: 

Supervision, Training, Customer Service 

·    Manage/supervise day-to-day payroll activities and processing, assuring adequate coverage for critical tasks

·    Provide training for identified needed areas including payroll processes, process changes, and new processes for both customers and payroll staff

·    Manage 6-8 payroll technicians and specialists

·    Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws of those states in which our customers have employees

·    Meet operational standards by working with payroll team and leadership to implement production, productivity, quality, and customer service standards

·    Liaison between payroll staff and customers to educate/facilitate problem resolution and general communication of payroll matters

·    Embrace the idea of continuous process improvement

·    Resolve more complex customer service issues and problems utilizing expertise in payroll processes, policies and laws

·    Respond to questions from payroll staff and resolve internal discrepancies

·    Utilize advanced levels of payroll knowledge and experience, creativity, foresight and mature judgment in anticipating and solving problems

·    Provide analysis and work on special projects as assigned

·    Continuously increase knowledge of self and team through education and training 

Payroll and Tax 

·    Manage the entire payroll process for multiple agencies and ensure these are processed timely and accurately

·    Assist Accounting in overseeing quarterly and annual balancing of payroll tax filings for all tax jurisdictions

·    Ensure compliance with all payroll tax-related governmental, regulatory, and legislative requirement

·    Review and approve payments such as garnishments, tax levies, child support, and other invoice payments

·    Responsible for training, sending weekly reminders, and monthly statistics as well as working with vendors

·    Monitor access to all systems and grant access to new users ensuring all approvals are provided beforehand

·    Responsible for checking print file reconciliation

·    Assist, as needed, in the set-up of new tax accounts and closure of inactive accounts in response to staff turnover and customer onboarding

·    Perform other duties as assigned

 Shared Services Promotion Support and Implementations 

·    Provide support to leadership in promoting shared services to the enterprise by participating in presentations, providing data for presentation materials, and agency partnership meetings

·    Assists in the set-up of new customers to include participation in onboarding project meetings, system testing and training 

Working Environment 

·    Works in office with hybrid teleworking as approved

·    May necessitate working beyond normal working hours, weekends, and holidays dependent on transaction load

·    Is subject to call back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.)

·    Attends and participates in continuing educational programs

·    Participates in sessions, presentations, and meetings in-person as required

·    Limited travel may be required for the purpose of meeting with vendors, suppliers, service providers, or off-site contractors 

Skills and Competencies:

·    Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills to include coaching/mentoring

·    Demonstrated problem-solving skills

·    Must possess the ability to supervise and prioritize various responsibilities with competing, short deadlines

·    Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with all levels of staff and management, as well as external vendors

·    Excellent computer skills in a Microsoft Office especially Excel and Word

·    Evidence of the practice of a high level of confidentiality

·    Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and follow through to resolve any outstanding issues

·    Must possess the ability to work independently

·    Must possess the ability and interest in training other team members

·    Must possess the ability to adapt to changing environments and support of multiple team members

·    Strong oral and written communication skills; appropriately communicate with all levels

Minimum Qualifications: 

Bachelor's degree in accounting and three (3) years of professional accounting job-related experience, which includes one (1) year in a supervisory role; or two (2) years of experience at the lower level Accountant Spv (FIP024) or position equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Preference may be given to applicants who, in addition to meeting the Minimum Qualifications, possess the following:

·    Minimum of 3 years related payroll experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience

·    Minimum of 3 years of fast-paced customer service

·    Minimum of 2 years supervisory or lead experience

·    Prior PeopleSoft Human Capital Management and PeopleSoft Financials experience

·    Experience in a shared service environment preferred

·    Solid understanding of Payroll Taxes

·    Some knowledge of Local Taxes, Tax Reciprocity rules, filing requirements, and regulations desired

The SAO offers flexible work hours in a hybrid in-office/remote work environment.

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

·    Be legally authorized to work in the United States; the SAO does not offer sponsorships for current or future employment visas (e.g., H-1B Employment visa, F1, J1 or M1 Student visas)

All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview.  Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for the 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