Payroll Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Founded in 2023, Crete Professionals Alliance (Crete PA) delivers big four firepower to local American firms. Our rapid growth has made us a magnet for leading firms nationwide, eager to join our revolution in accounting. We empower small to mid-market firms with PE-backed capital, strategic technology partnerships, and innovative workforce solutions—including national recruiting and offshore support—while preserving a personal, local touch. With a presence in over half the US, 27 regional offices, 1,500 dedicated professionals, and offshore operations in Asia, we're the fastest-growing accounting firm in the nation and well on our way to the top 20. At Crete PA, our culture and relationships are the cornerstone of our success, and we’re always looking for talented, ambitious people to join our team. Do you have what it takes to keep up?

Our network firm, Abacus! is hiring!

Position : Payroll Manager

Objective :

Provide accurate, compliant payroll services across multiple states and platforms while managing systems and reporting—and offer technical leadership and support to remote staff and client offices.

Description :

The Payroll Manager oversees all aspects of payroll operations for Abacus!, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant payroll processing across multiple states, office locations, and clients. This role requires expertise with payroll platforms such as ADP, Paycom, ACS, and Workday. The Payroll Manager serves as the technical subject matter expert, supports remote employees, manages payroll software conversions, and drives continuous process improvements while collaborating closely with HR and the management team.

Essential Functions :

Manage full-cycle payroll processing across multiple platforms (ADP, Paycom, ACS, Workday) for all office locations and clients.

Ensure compliance with multi-state payroll regulations, including taxes, wage and hour laws, garnishments, and year-end reporting.

Serve as the primary escalation point for payroll issues from remote staff and office teams.

Maintain and improve payroll controls, audits, and compliance documentation.

Generate and deliver accurate payroll reporting for management, audits, and regulatory filings.

Partner with HR and the management team on payroll-related processes such as benefits deductions, onboarding, GL reconciliations, and compliance audits.

Lead payroll system conversions, upgrades, and new software implementations, including data migration, testing, training, and staff communication.

Reconcile payroll to general ledger accounts, identify discrepancies, and resolve issues.

Supervise payroll staff or external vendors, ensuring accuracy, accountability, and ongoing training.

Stay current with payroll laws, technology trends, and best practices to ensure continuous improvement.

Competencies :

Technical Expertise (Payroll Systems & Compliance)

Accuracy and Attention to Detail

Problem Solving and Analytical Thinking

Communication and Training Skills

Multi-State Payroll Knowledge

Process Improvement & Systems Integration

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Supervisory Responsibility

Will supervise payroll coordinators or external vendors; responsible for oversight, training, and quality assurance.

Position Expectations & Work Environment

This is a full-time salaried exempt position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee works normal office hours (with guilt-free flexibility). Some weeks over 40 hours will be required.

Location & Travel

Based in one of the following Abacus! offices : Fayetteville, AR; Lee’s Summit, MO; Louisville, KY; or Branson, MO. Some travel between offices (up to 15%) may be required.

Required Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business, HR, or related field (or equivalent experience)

5+ years’ experience in multi-state payroll management

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) a plus

Expertise in payroll systems including ADP, Paycom, ACS, and Workday

Strong understanding of payroll tax, compliance, and reporting requirements

Proven experience leading payroll software conversions or migrations, including planning, implementation, and training

Demonstrated experience supporting remote staff and managing payroll across multiple office locations

Physical Demands

This position is primarily office-based, requiring regular use of a computer, phone, and video conferencing. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked to perform other assignments and duties. You will be evaluated in part based on your performance of the tasks listed in this job description.

In addition to a rewarding career, we provide a robust benefits package, including :

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (with options for fully paid employee

only coverage for health and dental)

Company-Paid Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance

Ancillary Benefits such as supplemental life insurance and short-term

disability options

Classic Safe Harbor 401(k) Plan with employer contributions

Opportunities for professional growth, learning, and development including

access to Becker and LinkedIn Learning

We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where every team member can thrive. Apply today to be part of a company that values its people and their contributions!

Crete Professionals Alliance is an equal opportunity employer, considering all applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state of federal law.

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