Payroll Manager

Position Summary

Focus Financial Partners is seeking a Payroll Manager to lead and oversee the accurate and timely processing of multi-state employee payroll in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. This role is responsible for managing end-to-end payroll operations, driving process improvements, ensuring strong internal controls, and serving as a key liaison between HR, Finance, and external vendors.

The Payroll Manager will provide strategic oversight of payroll administration, reporting, and compliance while delivering exceptional service to employees and leadership. This position plays a critical role within the Focus financial reporting team and contributes to broader operational and financial initiatives.

This role can be located in St. Louis, MO; New Hyde Park, NY. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full-cycle payroll process, ensuring accurate and timely payroll execution across multiple entities and jurisdictions.
• Oversee payroll data integrity, including compensation changes, bonuses, commissions, benefits deductions, direct deposits, new hires, terminations, and status changes.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and tax regulations; monitor legislative changes and implement necessary updates to processes.
• Manage payroll audits, reconciliations, and internal controls to ensure accuracy and mitigate risk.
• Prepare and review payroll-related reports, including earnings, taxes, deductions, leave, disability, and non-taxable wages; partner with Finance on month-end and year-end reporting.
• Lead the resolution of complex payroll discrepancies through detailed analysis and cross-functional collaboration.
• Serve as primary point of contact for payroll inquiries, escalations, and issue resolution.
• Partner closely with HR, Benefits, and Finance to align payroll operations with organizational objectives and system enhancements.
• Evaluate and optimize payroll systems, workflows, and vendor relationships (including ADP or other platforms) to drive efficiency and scalability.
• Support year-end processes including W-2 preparation, tax filings, and audit documentation.
• Develop, document, and maintain payroll policies and procedures to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Mentor and guide junior payroll team members (if applicable) and contribute to broader team initiatives and cross-functional projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including oversight of multi-state payroll processing; experience in the financial services industry
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations and compliance requirements.
• Experience with ADP or similar enterprise payroll systems required.
• Strong analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage confidential information.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, meet strict deadlines, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to partner effectively across HR, Finance, and leadership teams.

This position is an exempt position. The annualized base pay range for this role is expected to be between $90,000-115,000 base salary compensation range. Actual base pay may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, subject matter expertise, geographic location where work will be performed, and the applicant’s skill set. The base pay is just one component of the total compensation package. Other rewards may include an annual cash bonus and a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401(k). Please note that the job title is subject to change based on the selected candidate’s experience and education.