Payroll Manager

The Payroll Manager plays a critical leadership role in ensuring Novum Partners delivers accurate, timely, and compliant payroll services to mission-driven clients across the country. Building on the strong operational foundation provided by the Payroll and HR Administrator role, the Payroll Manager provides hands-on payroll execution while also overseeing payroll quality, managing one Payroll Specialist, and collaborating closely with HR Advisors.   

This role is both client-facing and internally strategic. The Payroll Manager serves as a trusted expert to clients, a coach and quality-control leader to the payroll team, and a collaborative partner to HR Advisors. Success requires deep payroll expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to lead calmly and effectively in a deadline-driven, fully remote environment. 

Goals 

• Payroll Accuracy & Reliability: Ensure all client payrolls are processed accurately, on time, and in compliance with applicable laws. 

• Client Confidence: Provide responsive, knowledgeable payroll guidance that builds trust with clients. 

• Team Leadership: Develop and oversee the Payroll Specialist to ensure consistent quality and capacity. 

• Operational Excellence: Strengthen payroll systems, processes, and documentation to support scale and sustainability. 

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities 

Payroll Processing and Oversight 

• Process payroll directly for assigned clients, including multi-state and multi-pay schedule payrolls. 

• Review payroll inputs such as time records, benefits deductions, and tax withholdings for accuracy. 

• Approve and oversee payroll changes including new hires, terminations, compensation changes, bonuses, and garnishments. 

• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex payroll issues and client questions. 

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations and reporting requirements. 

Payroll Leadership and Team Management 

• Directly manage and mentor one Payroll Specialist, providing training, feedback, and workload oversight. 

• Review payroll work completed by the Payroll Specialist to ensure accuracy and consistency. 

• Establish and maintain clear payroll standards, workflows, and internal controls. 

• Support capacity planning and prioritization within the payroll function. 

Payroll Onboarding and Systems 

• Oversee payroll onboarding for new clients, ensuring accurate system configuration and tax setup. 

• Review and validate payroll configurations prepared by the Payroll Specialist. 

• Maintain working knowledge of payroll platforms and tools used by Novum (e.g., Gusto, Rippling, Microsoft 365, Asana, Financial Cents). 

• Contribute to continuous improvement of payroll SOPs, templates, and documentation. 

Collaboration and Cross-Functional Support 

• Partner closely with HR Advisors to ensure payroll aligns with employment practices, benefits, and HR policies. 

• Coordinate with Accounting and Finance teams on payroll reporting, reconciliations, and audits. 

• Participate in internal case discussions where payroll intersects with compliance, benefits, or employee relations. 

• Use project management tools to track payroll deliverables and deadlines. 

Key Skills and Qualifications 

• 7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including hands-on payroll processing. 

• Demonstrated experience managing or mentoring payroll staff. 

• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations. 

• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and professional judgment. 

• Technological proficiency with cloud-based payroll and collaboration tools. 

• Ability to manage multiple deadlines calmly and effectively. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience with church payroll considerations, including clergy compensation and housing (parsonage) allowance reporting, is strongly preferred. 

• Payroll certification (CPP, FPC, or equivalent). 

• Experience in a professional services or outsourced payroll/HR environment. 

• Experience collaborating closely with HR professionals. 

• Comfort operating in a growing, systems-evolving organization. 

Performance Measurement 

• Payroll Accuracy and Timeliness: Consistently delivers accurate payrolls by established deadlines. 

• Quality Oversight: Maintains high standards of review and error prevention across the payroll team. 

• Team Development: Effectively supports and develops the Payroll Administrator. 

• Client Satisfaction: Provides clear, responsive payroll guidance that builds trust. 

Conclusion 

The Payroll Manager is a cornerstone role at Novum Partners, ensuring payroll services are delivered with precision, integrity, and care. By combining hands-on expertise with thoughtful leadership, this role supports clients, strengthens internal teams, and upholds Novum’s commitment to operational excellence for mission-driven organizations.