Sr. Manager, Payroll - Tax & Processing

The Senior Manager, Payroll Operations will play a critical role leading Versant’s tax, garnishment, and payroll processing functions. Reporting to the Vice President, Global Payroll, this role is responsible for supporting all SAP Payroll tax, garnishment, and processing activities including but not limited to leading payroll processing for weekly and bi-weekly payroll, tax jurisdiction setups, performing routine audits and preparing reports, leading the overpayment process and year-end processes, setup of garnishments with vendor, and researching/resolving all payroll tax and garnishment tickets. The Senior Manager will collaborate closely with Payroll Operations, HR, Finance, and Business Operations to deliver high-quality payroll services as Versant scales into a standalone company. Key Responsibilities Service Delivery Ensure timely and accurate payroll tax processing, managing tax filings for federal, state, and local payroll taxes, and ensuring full compliance with all regulatory requirements. Provide direct support for employee-related activities on mobility tax matters and processing relocation-related data with high quality, working closely with Stock team to execute processes and procedures for equity wage and tax reporting compliance, and coordinating with Retirement Benefits team to ensure Versant retirement programs, such as 401(k) and Deferred Compensation plans, are administered accurately and compliantly. Oversee the accurate and timely filing of payroll tax returns, including federal, state, and local taxes, as well as year-end reporting (e.g., W-2s, 1099s). Manage On-Cycle (weekly/bi-weekly) and Off-Cycle payroll in SAP for Versant both union and non-union and ensure all processes are completed timely and accurately. Manage payroll processing calendar and deadlines. Ensure that payroll payments are successfully disbursed (check and ACH). Help assist payroll team in responding timely and effectively to inquires related to payroll, providing guidance on garnishments, child supports, IRS levies and pay practices. Ensure all applicable federal, state, and local taxes, garnishments, employee benefit contributions, union dues etc. are properly withheld Standards and Controls Ensure payroll tax compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations, union agreements, wage and hour laws, garnishments, and benefit deductions. Maintain current knowledge of Multistate and Federal guidelines with a heavy emphasis on CA pay rules and the way in which various payroll items are to be processed, including but not limited processing final pay state terminations. Monitor internal controls related to payroll tax filings and GL mapping. Manage payroll tax audits, including internal and external audits, and ensure timely resolution of audit issues. Maintain data integrity through regular validation and reconciliations of payroll outputs and general ledger postings. Performance Track and report on key payroll metrics, ensuring timely resolution of discrepancies and payroll issues. Identify opportunities to enhance payroll accuracy and service delivery through technology, process improvements, and standardization. Partner with HR, Benefits, and Finance to continuously refine and align payroll-related workflows and integrations. Contribute to the successful execution of special projects and spin-related transitions, ensuring payroll continuity through organizational changes. Performs other duties as assigned by the VP, Payroll People Supervise and coach payroll team members, supporting onboarding, development, and ongoing performance feedback. Promote cross-functional collaboration across HR, Operations, and Accounting to improve payroll-related communications and processes. Foster a culture of accountability, accuracy, and service excellence. Serve as an escalation point for complex payroll inquiries and provide clear resolution guidance.