Payroll Manager (100% Remote)

Location: Pittsburgh or Nashville base

About Our Client

Our client is a rapidly scaling, consumer-driven brand that’s reimagining a traditional experience into something bold, modern, and culture-forward. With an emphasis on creativity, energy, and people-first values, they’ve built a loyal following—and they’re just getting started.

Behind the scenes, this organization is equally impressive: fast growth, multi-state operations, and a leadership team committed to building infrastructure that can scale. This is where you come in.

Why This Role is a Game-Changer

This is a fully remote, high-impact Payroll Manager role where you won’t just “run payroll”—you’ll build it, own it, and elevate it.

Our client is bringing payroll fully in-house for the first time, and they’re looking for someone who thrives in that kind of ownership. If you enjoy taking something complex, streamlining it, and making it world-class—this is your lane.

The Role

The Payroll Manager will take full ownership of payroll operations for a multi-state workforce of 2,000+ employees across a rapidly expanding footprint. This role will oversee the entire payroll lifecycle—from data inputs and compliance to reporting and process optimization—while partnering cross-functionally with HR, Finance, and Operations.

You’ll be the go-to expert, the problem-solver, and the architect of a scalable payroll function.

What You’ll Own

End-to-End Payroll Execution

• Lead the full biweekly payroll cycle across multiple entities and states
• Process and validate payroll data, including earnings, deductions, and tax treaments
• Ensure accurate integration of timekeeping data and variable compensation elements
• Deliver payroll on time, every time—with zero surprises

High-Volume, Complex Environment

• Manage payroll in a fast-paced, multi-location environment with hourly and salaried employees
• Oversee variable pay components such as tips, incentives, and bonuses
• Ensure accuracy across large datasets and multiple systems

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations
• Manage multi-state tax filings, payments, and issue resolution
• Maintain compliance with wage laws, including minimum wage and tip-related regulations

Reconciliation & Controls

• Perform detailed payroll audits and reconciliations (gross-to-net, benefits, GL tie-outs)
• Partner with Accounting on month-end close and payroll accruals
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies with a proactive mindset

Systems & Optimization

• Serve as the internal expert across payroll and timekeeping platforms
• Identify automation opportunities and implement process improvements
• Build scalable workflows and internal controls as the company grows

Business Partnership

• Act as the internal payroll authority for employee and leadership inquiries
• Partner with HR on employee lifecycle events and compensation changes
• Support operations with insights into labor costs and payroll reporting

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field
• 5+ years of payroll experience in high-volume environments
• Experience supporting 1,000+ employees across multiple states
• Strong knowledge of payroll tax compliance and wage regulations
• Experience with modern payroll systems 

Bonus Points

• Background in restaurant, hospitality, or tip-driven environments
• Experience with integrated payroll/timekeeping systems
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

What Success Looks Like (First 6 Months)

• Seamlessly transition payroll from an outsourced model to in-house ownership
• Establish streamlined, repeatable payroll workflows and controls
• Improve processing efficiency, accuracy, and reporting visibility
• Ensure airtight compliance across all jurisdictions

Perks & Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life & AD&D Coverage
• Fully Remote Flexibility 

Tech Requirements

• Must provide your own laptop
• Reliable high-speed internet required

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a remote role where you can truly own a function, make an impact, and grow alongside a high-energy, scaling organization—this is it.