Overview

The Audit Payroll Manager oversees the accuracy, compliance, and integrity of all payroll processes through regular audits, reporting, and controls. This role ensures payroll is processed in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, company policies, and internal financial standards. The Audit Payroll Manager partners closely with Payroll, HR, Finance, and Operations to identify discrepancies, implement corrective actions, and strengthen payroll governance.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Audit & Compliance

• Conduct regular audits of payroll data, timekeeping records, and system entries to ensure accuracy and compliance.

• Review wage calculations, overtime, deductions, bonuses, and special pay to ensure proper application.

• Monitor adherence to federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, including FLSA and state-specific regulations.

• Identify payroll discrepancies and lead corrective actions.

• Maintain documentation of audit findings and follow‑up actions.

Process Improvement & Controls

• Develop and implement internal controls to reduce payroll errors and strengthen compliance.

• Recommend process enhancements to improve accuracy, efficiency, and transparency.

• Partner with HRIS and Payroll teams to optimize system workflows and reporting tools.

Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare audit reports, variance analyses, and compliance summaries for leadership.

• Track payroll trends, error patterns, and risk areas to support strategic decision‑making.

• Support Finance with month‑end, quarter‑end, and year‑end payroll reconciliations.

Collaboration & Support

• Work closely with HR, Payroll, and Operations to resolve payroll issues and provide guidance.

• Assist with internal and external audits, including tax audits and financial audits.

• Train managers and employees on payroll policies, timekeeping expectations, and compliance requirements.

Leadership & Oversight

• May supervise payroll audit specialists or analysts.

• Establish audit schedules, priorities, and performance standards.

• Ensure confidentiality and secure handling of sensitive payroll data.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field (or equivalent experience).

• 3–5+ years of payroll, payroll auditing, or financial audit experience.

• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, and payroll systems.

• High attention to detail with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.

• Proficiency in Excel and payroll reporting tools.

Preferred

• Experience with large, multi‑state payroll.

• Familiarity with HRIS/payroll systems (e.g., ADP, Workday, UKG, SAP).

• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or similar certification.

Additional Details

Core Competencies

• Accuracy and attention to detail

• Analytical thinking

• Confidentiality and integrity

• Communication and collaboration

• Process improvement mindset

• Ability to manage deadlines and multiple priorities