People Program Manager, Payroll

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California.

📋 Description

• Lead strategic and operational initiatives that bolster workforce growth, enhance organizational effectiveness, improve team member experience, and ensure efficient People service delivery.

• Collaborate with People leadership, cross-functional stakeholders, and external vendors to facilitate program execution and enhance processes.

• Act as a primary resource for Workday Payroll and Absence Management.

• Drive the optimization of the Workday system, ensure compliance with multi-state payroll regulations, and enhance payroll processes.

• Monitor the performance and metrics of programs while advancing departmental strategies.

• Maintain the configurations for Workday Payroll and Absence.

• Keep abreast of federal, state, and local payroll regulations and assist with compliance activities.

• Conduct payroll audits and reconciliations.

• Manage payroll tax configurations for a workforce operating across multiple states.

• Serve as a resource for payroll compliance, SOX controls, and regulatory obligations.

• Configure, test, and support the functionality of Workday Payroll and Absence.

• Implement system enhancements, updates, and process improvements.

• Lead bi-annual testing and documentation of Workday Payroll and Absence releases.

• Troubleshoot complex system issues and coordinate resolutions with vendors and internal stakeholders.

• Develop and maintain documentation and training materials for payroll processes.

• Investigate and resolve intricate payroll processing, tax, and system-related issues.

• Assist in payroll tax reconciliations and quarterly and annual filing tasks.

• Support year-end payroll processing, adjustments, and statement preparation.

• Mentor, train, and develop Payroll Specialists.

• Serve as a backup for payroll processing and other operations as required.

• Collaborate with payroll vendors on configurations, issue resolution, and process improvements.

• Work closely with HR, Accounting, Finance, and operational leaders.

• Communicate payroll impacts, updates, and recommendations to stakeholders.

• Support cross-functional payroll, absence management, and compliance initiatives.

• Manage direct reports, including hiring, training, supervising, and mentoring.

• Lead payroll-related projects from planning through to implementation.

• Monitor performance metrics and suggest improvements to payroll processes and controls.

• Identify risks and develop solutions to enhance compliance, accuracy, and service delivery.

• Support organizational change efforts related to payroll programs, systems, and processes.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Organizational Development, People Operations, or a related field is required; professional experience may be considered in place of the degree.

• Experience in the healthcare sector is preferred.

• Preferred certifications include SHRM‑CP, SHRM‑SCP, PHR, SPHR, or PMP.

• At least five (5) years of progressive Payroll experience within HR/People departments, including providing advice to leaders and supporting multi-site or complex operating environments.

• A minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience in leading people programs, projects, or operational initiatives.

• Comprehensive knowledge of payroll regulations and compliance in multi-state and local payroll processing.

• Experience with Workday Payroll, Absence Management, Time Tracking, and OneSource Virtual (OSV Atmosphere).

• Ability to independently manage small projects and identify opportunities for process improvements.

• Proven ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with various teams, departments, and stakeholders.

• Capacity to manage change, juggle multiple tasks, prioritize requests, and meet tight deadlines.

• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.

• Strong attention to detail.

• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) with mid-level Excel skills.

• Maintain the confidentiality of payroll and team member information rigorously.

• Proof of vaccination or a vaccine declination form is required prior to employment.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical insurance coverage (Medical, Dental, Vision).

• 17 days of personal time off (PTO).

• 12 holidays observed annually.

• 6 sick days.

• 401K savings plan with matching contributions.

• Comprehensive compensation package that includes base pay and bonuses.

• Extensive healthcare coverage.

• Additional benefits available.

• COVID-19 vaccination policy requires proof of vaccination or a vaccine declination form prior to employment.

• Adherence to infection control and PPE standards.