Payroll Manager

This job is located at 1 S. , Chicago, IL, 60606 PLS ® Overview: Why PLS? Because You Deserve Better!

® PLS — which stands for People – Location – Service — is a leading retail provider of financial services. The “P” comes first, because our customers are at the center of everything we do, and we recognize that it’s our exceptional team members who go above and beyond every day. The PLS Group, headquartered in Chicago, is comprised of over 200 financial service centers in 12 states.

Through our check cashing stores, we provide consumers with convenient financial products and services to help them manage their day-to-day financial needs. Although many of our customers have banking relationships, we believe that our customers use our financial services because they are convenient, transparent, and frequently more affordable than available traditional alternatives. PLS was founded in 1997 by Bob and Dan Wolfberg, who serve as Co-Presidents.

Position Overview: The Manager of Payroll is responsible for overseeing and managing the Company’s payroll operations and ensuring pay is processed on time and accurately. This role blends technical expertise, leadership, and a deep understanding of payroll systems and labor laws. This person will collaborate with internal partners and external vendors to standardize processes, drive efficiency, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Responsibilities

: Manage and oversee the full-cycle payroll process for approximately 3,500 employees across multiple states on a weekly and bi-weekly basis. Prepare payroll reports, variance analyses, and audit support documentation. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and company policies.

Ensure accuracy and completeness of payroll processes by establishing and implementing an auditing and quality control process. Manage payroll tax filings, remittances, and year-end processes. Troubleshoot and resolve payroll and timekeeping system issues promptly.

Provide guidance, training, and workflow oversight to the Payroll Team with a focus on exceptional customer service and quality results. Handle complex payroll issues and employee escalations with professionalism and discretion. Lead internal and external payroll audits and respond to inquiries from auditors and regulators.

Provide accurate, real-time data to our Operations Leadership Team to enable them to make strategic decisions. Collaborate with Accounting on payroll-related reconciliations, journal entries, and audits. Maintain payroll policies, procedures, documentation, and internal controls.

Act as the subject matter expert and stay current on payroll systems, regulations, and labor laws impacting the payroll process. Identify and implement process improvements, system enhancements, and controls to enhance accuracy and efficiency.

Requirements

and internal policy changes, and partner cross-functionally to determine if payroll processes need to be updated. Ensure data integrity and confidentiality of payroll information. Additional duties as assigned.

: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field highly preferred. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or equivalent certification preferred 10+ years of experience in payroll operations across multiple states. 5+ years of experience in managing and motivating direct reports and teams.

Expertise in payroll and tax regulations at the federal, state, and local levels required. Experience with UKG (formerly known as UltiPro) and Workforce Management (formerly known as Kronos) preferred. Experience leading payroll and timekeeping system implementations, integrations, and upgrades with strong project management skills.

) Ability to streamline payroll processes and drive operational improvements.