Sr Manager Payroll

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Responsible for leading the strategy, integrity, and delivery of all LKQ North American payrolls, ensuring compliance and shaping the future of payroll operations through Workday and emerging technologies. Serves as a strategic leader of payroll subject matter experts, building a high-performing team that delivers accurate, efficient, and scalable payroll services. Partners with HR, Finance, and business leadership to anticipate challenges, support growth and acquisitions, and drive continuous improvement across payroll operations.

Essential Job Duties

• Evaluate existing and new payroll-related regulations on an ongoing basis as they relate to LKQ North America's payroll activities and field operations to ensure compliance with all applicable payroll and tax regulations.
• Develop and maintain payroll processes and internal controls to preserve the quality, efficiency, and overall effectiveness of all payroll functions while ensuring regulatory compliance. Maintain required documentation and review support for Sarbanes-Oxley compliance.
• Lead payroll innovation by optimizing Workday Payroll, introducing automation technologies (including AI / RPA), and streamlining workflows to reduce manual effort and improve accuracy. Evaluate and recommend opportunities to manage costs and increase service levels for the internal and external customers supported by each department.
• Build and maintain a high-functioning team by ensuring appropriate training and evaluation of employees to enhance their performance, development, and work product. Motivate and reward employees including providing salary increases and promotions within allocated budgets and company guidelines.
• Partner with HR, Benefits, and Accounting to review cross-departmental impacts, strategy, and reconcile data sharing related to payroll. Work collaboratively to implement changes leading to best-in-class operations.
• Set a tone of collaboration among the payroll team, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to provide a high level of customer service.
• Coordinate with corporate, other departments, region management and the field organization to ensure alignment and effectiveness of department goals and activity. Provide reporting and support to enhance their operations.
• Develop and maintain departmental metrics and key performance indicators that reflect the department's process effectiveness and support policy adherence and enforcement.
• Oversee the payroll activities related to account reconciliation, monthly variance analysis, accrual calculations, and journal entry review.
• Serve as the payroll systems leader, partnering closely with HRIS to ensure payroll accuracy, compliance, and scalability to support growth, acquisitions, and organizational change.
• Develop payroll subject matter experts into future leaders through coaching, mentoring, and structured development plans. Foster a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and empowerment.
• Anticipate risks and proactively design payroll strategies that address growth, regulatory changes, and organizational transformation.
• Communicate payroll insights and risks effectively to senior leadership, providing clear recommendations that support decision-making.
• Lead payroll change management efforts to ensure smooth transitions during system enhancements, acquisitions, and reorganizations.
• Assume other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Minimum Requirements

Education & Experience

Preferred Requirements

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Essential Physical Demands / Work Environment

Join us for an exciting career journey with positive, driven individuals.