Senior Manager, Corporate Accounting and Payroll

Summary

Join Business Wire as a Senior Manager, Corporate Accounting and Payroll and oversee global payroll operations, compensation accounting, and Workday system administration. Lead a small team responsible for processing global payroll, maintaining Workday configurations, and supporting related reporting. Ensure timely, accurate payroll and compliant accounting while exhibiting in-depth accounting knowledge and advanced expertise in Workday payroll user configurations. Execute worldwide compensation accounting, including journal entries, reconciliations, and month-end close activities. Administer Workday configurations and system enhancements. This role requires strong accounting knowledge, Workday expertise, and people leadership skills.

Requirements

• 7+ years of hands-on experience with complex Workday Payroll configuration and system administration, including user testing and troubleshooting
• 5+ years of compensation accounting experience, including preparation of payroll-related journal entries, reconciliations, and month-end close activities
• 3+ years of people leadership experience, with a proven track record of managing and developing high-performing teams in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Prior experience in public accounting and/or corporate accounting within a large publicly traded company is required
• Strong knowledge of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (USGAAP) with emphasis on FASB 43
• Experience with project management and hands-on troubleshooting of processes and systems
• Knowledge of laws and regulations relating to wages, benefits, and other employment matters
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize responsibilities efficiently, possess exceptional attention to detail and organization skills
• Self-starter with a customer service mindset and hands-on project management experience to drive process improvements
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills, ability to identify strengths and weaknesses with payroll and benefits administration, and offer alternative solutions to problems
• Demonstrated ability to manage payroll matters with discretion, sensitivity, and business sensibility
• Expert level of experience with Microsoft Excel required (advanced Pivot tables, VLOOKUP, Database creation)
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required

Responsibilities

• Manage and support a team responsible for all aspects of global payroll processing, including interfacing with HR, Corporate Accountants, and ADP/Third-Party Accounting firms acting as payroll processors
• Rotate through payroll processes to maintain detailed technical operational knowledge, support team efficiency, and perform hands-on payroll duties as needed
• Lead and participate in payroll tasks related to benefits and salary-related compensation adjustments
• Ensure compliance with local labor and tax regulations, and maintain payroll records in accordance with applicable regulatory and audit requirements
• Communicate progress of projects and initiatives and provide status updates to stakeholders
• Build strong cross-functional business partner relationships externally and throughout the organization, especially with Corporate Accountants and People & Culture
• Ensure appropriate internal controls and backup processes are in place
• Partner with Accounting leadership to assess payroll systems for audit readiness and internal reporting accuracy
• Maintain expert level understanding of multi-state and international payroll tax compliance, including jurisdiction specific regulations and reporting requirements
• Execute all aspects of worldwide compensation accounting, including accurate and timely preparation of payroll-related journal entries as well as managing payroll-related GL activity for multiple entities across various currencies, reconciliations, advanced variance analysis, forecasting/accruals, and month-end close activities such as booking timing differences, bonuses, commissions, PTO, and 401K liabilities
• Analyze and perform actual vs. projected compensation expense and accrued liabilities variance analysis, providing insights to the corporate accountant and management team
• Monitor compliance with internal controls and SOX requirements related to payroll accounting processes
• Support internal and external audits, including the preparation and delivery of payroll-related documentation, schedules, and explanations
• Serve as a key contributor to the corporate accounting team by driving improvements in accounting processes related to payroll, with a focus on integrating compensation data into broader financial reporting
• Collaborate on infrastructure development projects that impact payroll accounting systems
• Research complex accounting and payroll-related questions, investigate their impact, and make recommendations for implementation
• Ensure financial records are maintained in compliance with US GAAP and company accounting policies/procedures
• Administer Workday configurations and system enhancements with the payroll specialists and contractors
• Responsible for efficient and accurate collection of all employee information and for establishing necessary HR records, including payroll records and Workday payroll system
• Lead and participate in Workday testing, troubleshooting, and user support for payroll-related functionality to ensure optimal system performance and data integrity
• Collaborate on payroll-related projects and initiatives with HR Workday contact; implement ongoing process improvements and better business practices to deliver quality customer service
• Lead configuration and maintenance of international payroll setups within Workday, including localization compliance rules, earnings, and statutory deductions

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ADP and Oracle EBS interface highly desirable
• CPA is a plus

Benefits

• Ability to work remotely
• Excellent health benefits that begin on your first day of employment
• $100 monthly fitness allotment, a tuition reimbursement program, and enhanced mental health resources
• 401(k) plan with generous company match, and annual profit sharing contribution (subject to company performance)
• PTO, Floating Holidays, Wellness Day Off, Birthday Day Off, and more!