Payroll Manager - Norfolk, VA

Job Purpose

The Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the organization’s payroll operations, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing for all employees. This role serves as the subject matter expert on payroll regulations, collaborates closely with HR and Finance, and leads continuous improvement of payroll processes, controls, and systems.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position provides day-to-day supervision, coaching, and performance management for payroll staff

Essential Functions

• Manage end‑to‑end payroll processing for salaried and hourly employees, including bonuses, commissions, garnishments, and special payments.
• Ensure payroll is processed accurately and on schedule in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Review and approve payroll changes, audits, and reconciliations prior to processing.
• Ensure compliance with all payroll‑related laws, tax regulations, and reporting requirements (FLSA, IRS, state agencies, etc.).
• Prepare, review, and reconcile payroll tax filings; coordinate with external tax vendors as needed.
• Serve as the primary contact for payroll audits, internal reviews, and regulatory inquiries.
• Maintain and optimize payroll systems, processes, and controls to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Partner with HRIS and Finance teams on system enhancements, upgrades, and integrations.
• Document payroll procedures and ensure strong internal controls are in place.
• Partner with HR on new hires, terminations, benefits deductions, and leave management (FMLA, disability, etc.).
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries with professionalism, accuracy, and discretion.
• Provide payroll data, analysis, and reports to leadership as requested.

Competencies

• Attention to Detail
• Conceptual thinking
• Decision making
• Leadership
• Innovation Orientation
• Integrity

Work Environment

• Office

Travel Requirements

• None

Required Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including multi‑state payroll.
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Experience with payroll systems and HRIS platforms.
• High attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to handle confidential information.

Preferred Education And Experience

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or FPC certification.
• Prior payroll leadership or people‑management experience.
• Experience supporting audits and process improvement initiatives.

Position requires employee to be able to pass a background check and drug screen as required for this job.

Work Authorization Requirements

Must meet I-9 requirements.

Affirmative Action/EEO statement: Xylem Tree Experts and Kendall Vegetation Services provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, obligations, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

XKIG is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws, including the ADA. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at 877-418-2999.

Benefits Offered

This is a full-time position that offers health insurance benefits for medical, vision, and dental, as well as the option for enrollment in a 401K.

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Eligibility and accrual timelines vary by position with some roles gaining PTO immediately and others becoming eligible after a set period of employment. Details are provided during the hiring process and may vary for Union hires.

AI Usage Disclaimer

As part of our commitment to efficiency and innovation, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools during the recruiting and onboarding processes. These tools assist with tasks such as resume screening, interview scheduling, and communication. All decisions regarding hiring and employment are ultimately made by our human team. If you have questions or concerns about this process, please contact our HR department.