Payroll Manager — Complex Union Payroll & UKG Expertise
Overview
A leading transit organization is seeking a senior-level Payroll Manager to take ownership of complex, end-to-end payroll processing for approximately 5,000 employees. This hands-on role will support multi-state payroll operations across numerous Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), including biweekly and semimonthly payrolls.
The ideal candidate is a technical payroll expert with deep UKG experience, strong knowledge of union payroll requirements, and the ability to step in quickly with minimal training. This is a high-impact opportunity to provide operational leadership, guide payroll specialists, and help ensure accurate, timely payroll processing in a dynamic environment.
Required Skills
- 5+ years of experience owning and processing complex, unionized payroll
- Extensive experience interpreting and applying multiple Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Strong UKG payroll system expertise with the ability to contribute immediately
- Experience processing multi-state payroll
- Experience with biweekly and semimonthly payroll frequencies
- Strong Excel skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Prior Payroll Manager or senior-level payroll responsibilities
- Ability to manage detailed payroll processes, deadlines, reconciliations, and issue resolution
- Ability to provide direction and technical guidance to payroll specialists
- Proven ability to maintain accuracy and confidentiality when handling sensitive employee and payroll information
Nice-to-Have Skills
- Experience with UKG Workforce Management
- Transit industry experience
- Experience supporting payroll for a large, unionized workforce
- Experience processing payroll for California employees
- Familiarity with time and attendance processes
- Experience collaborating with Time & Expense teams
- Experience working with 13 or more union agreements
Preferred Education and Experience
- Senior-level payroll experience in a complex, multi-state environment
- Prior experience managing payroll operations or serving as a Payroll Manager
- Experience supporting a workforce of approximately 5,000 employees
- Experience working with multiple payroll groups and varying employee populations
- Relevant payroll expertise and demonstrated experience are highly valued; specific educational requirements are not specified
Other Requirements
- Contract duration of 6+ months
- Hybrid position in Boston preferred; remote candidates may be considered
- Ability to work Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
- Flexibility to support hours outside the standard schedule during California payroll processing weeks
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities
- Business-casual work environment for onsite employees
