Senior Manager, Payroll & Compliance
It's fun to work in a company where people truly believe in what they are doing. At Dutch Bros Coffee, we are more than just a coffee company. We are a fun-loving, mind-blowing company that makes a difference one cup at a time.
Position Overview :
The Senior Manager, Payroll & Compliance, is a strategic leader within the payroll team, responsible for all corporate and shop payroll tax compliance, end-to-end corporate payroll operations, worker's compensation reporting, and technical payroll processing.
This role ensures accurate and timely payroll execution across all employees, maintains compliance with complex federal, state, and local regulations, and drives continuous improvement in payroll processes and controls. This position will oversee payroll operations in partnership with ADP, Workday, and other providers, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and efficiency across multiple jurisdictions. The Senior Manager serves as a subject matter expert, proactively monitoring legislation, leading audits, and collaborating cross-functionally with HR, Legal, Finance, and external partners. Success in this role requires a balance of technical expertise, operational excellence, and leadership capability to guide the payroll team through rapid growth and evolving business needs.
Job Qualifications :
- 710 years of progressive payroll and payroll tax experience, including multi-state payroll operations and compliance.
- 3+ years in a leadership or senior management role overseeing payroll teams or functions.
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation strongly preferred.
- Deep expertise in payroll tax regulations, worker's compensation reporting, and payroll accounting.
- Strong system knowledge : Workday, ADP Smart Compliance, D365 or other ERP systems.
- Demonstrated success in leading payroll audits, reconciliations, and regulatory compliance initiatives.
- Strong analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
Location Requirement :
This role is located in Tempe, Arizona. This position is required to be in office 4 days per week (Mon-Thurs); Fridays are optional remote work days.
Key Result Areas (KRAs) :
Lead all aspects of corporate semi-monthly and off-cycle payroll processing for multi-state operations, ensuring compliance, timeliness, and accuracy.Manage tax setup, filings, amendments, reconciliations, and audits across federal, state, and local jurisdictions; serve as the escalation point for complex tax issues.Oversee timely and accurate wage reporting to support worker's compensation expenses.Manage various payroll-related disbursement programs, ensuring accurate taxability, reporting, and accounting treatment.Own back-end payroll processing procedures in Workday, ensuring timeliness and accuracy of payroll-related data.Develop and enforce SOX-compliant controls, SOPs, and scalable processes that minimize risk and improve operational efficiency.Collaborate with Finance on reconciliations and GL postings, with Legal on compliance issues, and with HR on employee setup, benefits, and transitions.Identify and implement process automation, system enhancements, and best practices to support growth and improve employee experience.Lead payroll-related audits (internal and external) and respond to agency notices, ensuring full documentation and timely resolution.Must be able to collaborate in-person with occasional impromptu in-person meetings.Skills :
Strategic leadership with hands-on execution capability.Strong process development, audit, and control mindset.Advanced proficiency in Excel and payroll reporting tools.Proven ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.Physical Requirements :
In-Office Environment : Must be able to work in a busy, crowded, and loud office with frequent distractions and interruptions.Office Conditions : Adaptability to typical office conditions, which may include exposure to air conditioning, heating, artificial lighting, and varying noise levels.Mobility : Ability to sit, stand, reach, twist, stretch, and work at a desk for long stretches. Must be able to occasionally move or lift office items up to 25 pounds.Hearing Requirements : Hearing must be sufficient or correctable to ensure clear understanding of spoken information, including participating in virtual meetings and phone calls. Use of hearing aids or other assistive devices is acceptable if needed.Reading and Writing Proficiency : Ability to read and write in English is essential for processing documents, drafting reports, and following up on necessary actions. Proficiency in written communication is required to handle job-related tasks effectively.Vision Requirements : Vision must be adequate or correctable to perform essential job duties, such as reading documents on a computer screen and using other visual tools. Use of corrective lenses or other measures to meet visual requirements is expected if needed.Technology Proficiency : Must be proficient in operating a computer and other office productivity tools such as printers, scanners, and collaboration software.Effective Communication : Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with team members, clients, and other stakeholders via email, video conferencing, and other in office communication tools.Compensation : $130,855.49 - DOE
If you like wild growth and working in a unique and fun environment, surrounded by positive community, you'll enjoy your career with us!