Payroll Operations Manager

Partners for Rural Impact’s (PRI) ultimate goal is for an America where all kids are successful, regardless of zip code, income, background, or ability. At PRI, our focus is on ensuring that all children in rural places achieve success. Partners for Rural Impact was born out of our place-based partnership in Appalachia, where we’ve worked for 25 years to create student opportunity and success.

Position Summary

The Payroll Operations Manager oversees and manages all aspects of payroll operations to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant payroll processing for the organization. This role includes supervising staff, developing and implementing payroll policies and procedures, and maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The Payroll Operations Manager collaborates closely with HR, Finance, and other stakeholders to maintain the integrity of payroll and benefits-related records and systems. Additionally, this position will also play a pivotal role in driving process improvements and implementing technology solutions to support our expanding workforce. The position leads and operates with the goal that All Rural Students Succeed.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily. The requirements of the position are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required, with regular and predictable attendance essential. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Oversee the end-to-end payroll and benefits processes for all employees, ensuring timely and accurate payroll execution within each pay cycle
• Interface with the third-party payroll provider to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations for all states where the organization is active, including tax filings and the registering of the organization when adding staff in new states
• Regularly audit and monitor payroll reports to ensure the accuracy of earnings, deductions, and employee benefit allocations
• Lead efforts to reconcile payroll records to benefits enrollment data and vendor invoices, including medical insurance, retirement plans, and other fringe benefits
• Prepare documentation and response for internal and external auditing requests related to payroll, compensation, employee benefits, and retirement plans
• Regularly review systems and controls to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions, if needed
• Participate and/or lead special projects related to payroll and benefits-related systems, including existing system optimization or new systems implementation
• Collaborate with Human Resources to expand payroll service offerings and ensure integration with benefits administration
• Serve as the internal point of contact for escalated payroll issues, facilitating the resolution of complex payroll inquiries
• Other roles/duties will be assigned as necessary to assist and support in the attainment of our mission, All Rural Students Succeed

Position Location & Schedule

The position will be considered for remote work with local, state, and sometimes national travel required.

Normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET with in-office, hybrid and/or remote work a possibility. Because of the nature of the responsibility to schools, partners, funders, and to the service region, individual offices or departments may have operating hours that extend beyond this period and may include evening and/or weekend hours.

Minimum Qualifications

Education required to ensure success in this position:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or related field
• CPP or CPA certification desired, but not required

Experience required to ensure success in this position:

• 5+ years of in-depth payroll operations experience, with demonstrated ability to manage payroll operations
• Multi-state payroll processing exposure, including payroll tax regulations, benefits administration, and compliance with various state and local benefits requirements
• Experience managing and building relationships with third-party payroll providers, benefits brokers, and external vendors
• Experience working with HRIS and payroll processing software
• Experience in leading teams, either in a formal leadership role or through informal guidance, with the proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally

Special skills, knowledge and abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of payroll systems, tax regulations, and compliance requirements
• Solid understanding of regulations related to fringe benefits, retirement plans, and ACA reporting requirements
• In-depth understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting standards as it relates to payroll and benefits
• Understanding of qualified retirement plans, including 403(b)
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Ability to multi-task, manage projects, and meet deadlines
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written and the ability to collaborate with employees at all levels of the organization
• Demonstrated success in a complex, fast-paced, high-performing organization, with the ability to prioritize projects and work cross-functionally.

License, certification, or registration necessary:

• Valid driver’s license
• Successfully complete pre-employment background check

Physical requirements:

• Ability to work in a high-energy office
• Ability to accurately communicate and exchange information with partners, stakeholders, and/or meeting participants
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 lbs
• Ability to operate standard office equipment
• Ability to operate motor vehicle
• Ability to travel independently by car and plane both locally and nationally

Environmental conditions:

• Work in a fast-paced setting with frequent interruptions and shifting priorities

Additional Company Information

PRI offers a wide array of benefit options, to meet the financial, educational, and health needs of you and your family.

• Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts, plus an employee assistance program.
• Life and long-term disability insurance and retirement plan.
• Generous paid time off work options including vacation, sick leave, and annual holidays, in addition to paid parental leave.
• Tuition assistance and professional development for employees.

Partners for Rural Impact is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.