Payroll Manager
: Job Details :

Under the general direction of the Director, Benefits & Compensation, the Payroll Manager at One Hope United is responsible for leading and managing the organization's end-to-end payroll operations across all locations. This role ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing following federal, state, and local regulations, as well as organizational policies. The Payroll Manager serves as a strategic partner within the HR team, collaborating with HR Business Partners, Finance, and external vendors to drive continuous improvement in payroll systems, processes, and service delivery. This role supports operational excellence and contributes to a positive employee experience by effectively administering payroll and related compensation processes.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Leads the organization-wide payroll function to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant processing of biweekly payroll for all employees across multiple states and funding sources.

Maintains in-depth understanding of OHU's programs, workforce structures, and funding models to ensure payroll alignment with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.

Oversees and manages the payroll system (Paycor), ensuring integrity of employee data, proper system configuration, and timely updates to earnings, deductions, taxes, and direct deposits.

Serves as the primary point of contact for payroll-related inquiries and escalations from employees, managers, HR Business Partners, and Finance, delivering excellent customer service and issue resolution.

Ensures payroll compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, IRS regulations, FLSA requirements, and organizational policies.

Reviews and maintains payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls, making recommendations for process improvements and automation to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Partners closely with the Benefits team to ensure accurate processing of benefit deductions, including health benefits, retirement plans, and leave balances.

Coordinates with HR and Finance teams to ensure payroll data is properly integrated, reconciled, and reported, including labor allocation, grant compliance, and cost center accuracy.

Leads payroll year-end processes, including W-2 preparation, tax filings, reconciliations, and audits.

Collaborates with HR and Finance leadership to provide data-driven insights and reports related to payroll costs, compensation trends, accruals, and forecasting.

Supports compliance and audit efforts by preparing documentation and responding to requests from auditors, funders, and government agencies.

Maintains confidentiality of all payroll records and ensures secure handling of sensitive information.

Trains, mentors, and supports payroll and HR staff involved in timekeeping or payroll-related functions.

Monitors changes in payroll laws, tax regulations, and system updates to ensure organizational compliance and continuous improvement.

Leads or supports special payroll-related projects such as system migrations, compensation analyses, or process redesigns.

Performs other duties as assigned in support of OHU's mission and Human Resources operational excellence.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervises payroll support staff and collaborates with HR and Finance teams to coordinate payroll-related activities across the organization.
• May provide guidance and oversight to timekeepers or HR/payroll liaisons across programs and locations.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• Minimum eight (8) years of progressive experience in payroll administration and processing, including multi-state payroll, required.
• Experience with nonprofit payroll operations and government-funded programs preferred.
• Experience with payroll system administration (e.g., Paycor or similar) required.
• Supervisory experience preferred.

Certifications/Licenses

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) strongly preferred.
• SHRM, HRCI, or similar HR-related certifications are a plus.
• Strong working knowledge of federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and payroll compliance standards.
• Proven experience processing complex payroll cycles, including garnishments, deductions, fringe benefits, off-cycle payments, and year-end activities (e.g., W-2s).
• Ability to work with large data sets and maintain accuracy under tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• High level of discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive payroll and employee data.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate across functions (e.g., HR, Finance).
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and payroll systems; Paycor experience strongly preferred.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain complex payroll topics to a non-technical audience.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to change in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

We Invest in You!

• Tuition assistance up to $2500 per year
• Up to 4 weeks paid Vacation Days, up to 6 paid Personal Days, and up to 5 paid Sick days annually.
• Medical, dental, vision, 403b Retirement, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, and short-term disability options
• Agency paid life up to $50K based on salary
• Voluntary Supplemental Life for Employee, Spouse, and Child(ren)
• Voluntary Legal Plans
• Agency paid long-term after 1 year of employment
• Career ladders, professional development, and promotion opportunities
• Free LCSW and LCPC Supervision hours available in some locations

A Different Kind Of Employer

• One Hope United is strong and ready to grow. Are you ready to grow with us?
• 800+ talented professionals strong, serving 10,000 children and families in Illinois and Florida
• Fiscally stable, $70 Million agency-- strong since 1895
• Energetic leadership and a rich community of support

One Hope United does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. One Hope United is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. OHU participates in eVerify.

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