Manager, Payroll (North America)

Job Description

Job Description

Manager, Payroll

North America

Location: Hybrid | Preferred commuting distance to one of our sites in Naples, FL • Kenosha, WI • Bethlehem, PA • Marquette, MI • Athens, GA | Reports to: Corporate Controller

About the Role

We are seeking a Manager, Payroll (North America) to lead payroll operations across a multi-site manufacturing environment with ~800 employees (and growing). Reporting directly to the Corporate Controller, this Finance-led role is responsible for delivering accurate, compliant, and well-controlled payroll while partnering closely with HR.

This is a hands-on leadership role in a lean environment. You will not only execute on payroll but take the lead on building smooth, efficient, compliant payroll processes. You will initially operate as a team of one, working closely with HR team members to execute payroll, while building the foundation for a scalable payroll function.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Ownership & Execution

• Own end-to-end payroll processing across multiple plant and facility locations in North America
• Manage payroll for a complex, hourly and salaried workforce including shift differentials, overtime, and weekend pay rules that vary by site and jurisdiction
• Ensure payroll is accurate, timely, and compliant across a complex, multi-site workforce
• Manage payroll cycles, reporting, and issue resolution
• Oversee time & attendance system integration (ADP Workforce Now) to ensure accurate data flow into payroll processing

Financial Controls & Compliance

• Establish and maintain strong payroll controls
• Partner with Finance on payroll accounting, GL reconciliation, and accruals
• Support internal and external audits; ensure audit readiness
• Stay current on payroll regulations and compliance requirements

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner closely with HR and Finance teams
• Ensure data accuracy across HRIS and payroll systems
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related matters across all sites

Process Improvement & Scale

• Identify and implement process improvements and automation
• Standardize documentation and workflows across locations
• Help define and build the future payroll structure, including hiring

Qualifications

Required

• 6–10 years of payroll experience, including experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment
• Deep knowledge of U.S. payroll compliance; Canada experience a plus
• Hands-on experience with ADP payroll systems required
• Experience managing payroll for hourly, shift-based workforces
• Experience with payroll accounting, reconciliations, month-end close, and audits
• Comfortable operating in a lean, hands-on environment across multiple sites

Preferred

• Experience in a Finance-led payroll function
• CPP certification
• Experience building or scaling payroll operations

What We’re Looking For

• Hands-on leader who can operate independently across a multi-site environment
• Strong controls and compliance mindset
• Ability to balance execution and process improvement
• Excellent cross-functional partner (Finance + HR)
• Comfortable being a team of one, initially

Why Join EXALTA

• Opportunity to own and shape payroll in a growing, multi-site organization
• High-impact role with visibility across Finance and HR leadership
• Build the foundation for a scalable payroll function