Job Title:
Payroll Manager
Company: Electro-Mechanical
Location: Bristol, VA
Created: 2026-05-09
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
PURPOSE OF JOB:The Payroll Manager is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of payroll operations for approximately 700 employees, including both hourly and salaried staff. This role ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing, including weekly payroll for hourly employees and semi-monthly payroll for salaried employees (1st and 15th).The Payroll Manager partners closely with Human Resources, Finance, and Operations to maintain payroll integrity, ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and drive continuous improvement in payroll processes and systems. This position requires a hands-on leader who is detail-oriented, highly organized, and capable of managing complex payroll environments with a high degree of accuracy and confidentiality.UNUSUAL ENVIRONMENT FACTORS:Work is performed primarily in an office environment with frequent interaction across Human Resources, Finance, and Operations. The role requires managing multiple payroll cycles simultaneously while maintaining strict deadlines and accuracy.Occasional extended hours may be required during payroll processing cycles, year-end reporting, audits, or system implementations. The Payroll Manager must handle sensitive and confidential information with a high level of discretion.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS TO ACCOMPLISH CENTRAL PURPOSE:Manage end-to-end payroll processing for: Hourly employees (weekly payroll) Salaried employees (semi-monthly payroll) Ensure accurate calculation of wages, overtime, bonuses, deductions, and adjustments Review and approve payroll prior to processing to ensure accuracy and completeness Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations Oversee payroll tax filings, reconciliations, and year-end processing (W-2s, etc.) Maintain and manage payroll systems, ensuring data integrity and proper configuration Partner with HR to ensure accurate employee data (new hires, terminations, promotions, benefits) Collaborate with Finance on general ledger reconciliations and payroll reporting Resolve payroll discrepancies and employee inquiries in a timely manner Develop, document, and improve payroll processes and procedures Ensure proper internal controls and audit readiness Stay current on payroll laws, tax updates, and best practices Support internal and external audits and provide required documentation Lead and develop payroll staff, if applicable ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:Support continuous improvement initiatives related to payroll systems and processes Assist with payroll-related reporting and analysis for leadership Maintain documentation supporting compliance and audit requirements Partner with leadership to improve payroll efficiency and accuracy Support system upgrades, implementations, or integrations as needed EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field preferred Minimum of 5 years of payroll experience, including multi-frequency payroll (weekly and semi-monthly) Experience managing payroll for 500+ employees Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements Experience with payroll systems (e.g., Dayforce, ADP, Workday, or similar) Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:High level of accuracy and attention to detail Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Ability to manage multiple payroll cycles and deadlines simultaneously Excellent communication and customer service skills High level of integrity, discretion, and confidentiality Strong organizational and time management skills Continuous improvement mindset KEY END RESULTS:Accurate and timely payroll processing for all employees Full compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations Proper payroll tax filings and reconciliations completed on time Strong internal controls and audit-ready payroll documentation Efficient and standardized payroll processes across the organization High employee satisfaction through timely and accurate payroll support ORGANIZATION:This position reports to the VP of Human Resources and works closely with Human Resources, Finance, and Operations teams.NATURE OF POSITION:The Payroll Manager is a hands-on leadership role responsible for managing complex payroll operations while ensuring compliance, accuracy, and continuous process improvement. This position plays a critical role in supporting the organization's financial and employee experience objectives.RELATIONSHIPS:Internal: Human Resources, Finance, Operations, Leadership, and Employees External: Payroll vendors, auditors, tax authorities, and system providers TRAVEL:Limited travel may be required for training, system implementations, or vendor-related activities.PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITY:Manage weekly and semi-monthly payroll processing for all employees Ensure payroll accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery Oversee payroll tax filings and year-end reporting Maintain payroll systems and data integrity Ensure audit readiness and compliance documentation Resolve payroll issues and support employee inquiries Lead payroll process improvements and system enhancements Partner with HR and Finance on payroll-related activities Maintain strong internal controls and payroll governance Support organizational goals through efficient payroll operationsPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Ability to travel throughout facility as required to perform essential duties.EMC expects that every team member will be guided by EMC's Guiding PrinciplesDISCLAIMERThe above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.