Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Manager for a contract engagement to lead and stabilize payroll operations for a large, fast-paced organization. This role is ideal for a hands-on payroll leader who can step in quickly, ensure accuracy and compliance, and partner cross-functionally with HR, Finance, and HRIS teams.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for multi-state and/or multi-entity payrolls
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations
Manage payroll calendars, audits, reconciliations, and payroll tax filings
Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll vendors (ADP, SAP, Workday, UKG, etc.)
Resolve complex payroll issues, including garnishments, bonuses, commissions, and equity payments
Partner with HR and Finance on payroll-related reporting, accruals, and month-end close
Lead or support payroll system implementations, upgrades, or process improvements
Train, mentor, and support payroll staff as needed
Document payroll processes and recommend best practices for scalability and efficiency

Qualifications

7+ years of payroll experience, including leadership or management experience
Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll, wage and hour laws, and payroll tax compliance
Hands-on experience with major payroll systems (ADP, SAP SuccessFactors, Workday, UKG, or similar)
CPP certification strongly preferred
Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills
Ability to operate independently and hit the ground running in a contract environment

Why This Role

Opportunity to make an immediate impact in a high-visibility payroll function
Competitive contract compensation
Potential for extension or conversion depending on business needs

Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

EEO Notice

Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.

Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [email protected] .

Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.

By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.

Privacy Notice

Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.

California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here.
Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here.
Residents of all other states may access our policies here.
Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here.
Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here.

Pay Transparency Notice

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to:

the individual’s skill sets, experience and training;
licensure and certification requirements;
office location and other geographic considerations;
other business and organizational needs.

With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.

Sr. Payroll Manager (Contract) at Vaco by Highspring

Job Description