Payroll Manager

Peoria, IL- Hybrid (US)

What to expect when you join Sikich

Team members at Sikich have a lot in common while also being part of a rich and varied group of contributors, creating a distinct and thriving culture. Chief among our commonalities is a desire for growth and a shared unity of purpose in our professional lives. We believe that through diverse perspectives, challenging the status quo and rewarding action, we accelerate innovation and drive growth – for our clients, for ourselves and for our communities.

The professional services landscape continues to evolve. For Sikich, this means we have an opportunity to further cement our leadership position in this industry and continue to grow our organization in increasingly exciting ways. This growth is meaningful for every team member at our company because larger companies simply see more interesting client opportunities and can attract impressively talented individuals like you. Through a dedicated focus on key business priorities and intentionally creating a rewarding employee experience, Sikich has developed into a highly regarded provider of professional services and a sought-after employer of choice.

Do you want to work with other skilled practitioners and serve clients in a way that makes a difference? Are you seeking a supportive environment backed by a deep and extensive set of skillsets? Are you ready to make an impact and be acknowledged for your contributions? If you answered yes to these questions, we see a mutually beneficial and gratifying relationship on the horizon!

Are you ready to grow with us?

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Manager, the Payroll Manager will be responsible for overseeing and managing payroll operations for multiple clients, ensuring payroll activities are executed accurately, timely, and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. This role exercises independent judgment in reviewing complex payroll matters, resolving issues, interpreting payroll requirements, advising clients and internal stakeholders, and improving processes and controls. The Payroll Manager also leads, develops, and mentors staff while helping maintain high standards of service, compliance, and operational effectiveness.

What will you do in this role?

• Oversee and manage payroll operations for multiple clients, ensuring accurate and timely processing in accordance with established payroll calendars and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Serve as a key point of contact for internal teams and third-party processors to support accurate, timely, and compliant payroll administration.
• Review and oversee retirement contributions, loan payments, and electronic funds transfers to ensure compliance with plan provisions, internal controls, and federal regulations.
• Manage payroll-related funding activities, electronic deposits, reporting, and confidential payroll records in accordance with internal controls and security requirements.
• Review and sign payroll tax returns, compliance reports, and related documentation, and coordinate with internal teams or third-party providers to address issues and support accurate filings.
• Provide guidance on payroll-related matters, respond to escalated requests, and support accurate handling of payroll-related transactions and employment verifications.
• Maintain current knowledge of payroll compliance requirements, regulatory changes, and system enhancements to support effective decision-making and process improvement.
• Lead or support special projects, process improvements, and other duties as assigned.
• Lead, supervise, coach, and develop staff, including assigning work, monitoring performance, providing feedback, and supporting professional growth.
• Support training and knowledge sharing related to payroll procedures, system enhancements, and regulatory changes.
• Deliver high-quality client service virtually and onsite as needed while serving as a trusted resource on payroll matters.

What do you need to succeed in this role?

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered
• Four (4) plus years of Progressive payroll experience, including responsibility for reviewing complex payroll matters, ensuring compliance, and supporting multiple clients or business units
• Proficiency with payroll systems, accounting software, Microsoft Office Suite, and Excel
• Ability to analyze payroll data, identify risks or inconsistencies, and exercise sound judgment while maintaining professionalism, organization, and client service excellence
• Strong technical proficiency, including the ability to use payroll systems and Microsoft Office tools to review data, support reporting, and manage multiple priorities effectively
• Strong client service, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to explain payroll matters clearly and professionally to clients, staff, and internal stakeholders
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, virtual, and client-facing environment while maintaining accuracy, confidentiality, sound judgment, and professionalism.

In compliance with this state’s pay transparency laws, the midpoint of the salary range for this role is $100,000. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location.

In addition, specific skills/experience required are as follows:

• Servant Leader – You are hyper focused on engaging employees, fostering their development, and building a positive culture.
• Solutions Focused – You see opportunities in every business problem and can develop, articulate, and implement solutions.
• Collaboration – You are a relationship builder across all levels of the organization and across all business units.
• Instills Trust - You do what you say, and you follow through on commitments, you act with integrity, you are consistent and are perceived as credible.
• Impact & Influence Thinking – You gain support for ideas, proposals, and solutions, and get others to act, with or without formal authority, to advance initiatives/objectives.

About Sikich

Sikich offers the public and private sectors a diverse platform of professional services across consulting, technology and compliance. Highly specialized and hands-on teams deliver integrated solutions rooted in deep industry experience. Our approach is strategically and thoughtfully designed to help our clients, teams, and communities accelerate success.

Sikich Total Rewards

Our team members enjoy expansive benefits ranging from competitive compensation and insurance options to wellness programs and a flexible time off policy, to name only a few. Sikich also takes pride in prioritizing team members’ health, total wellbeing and time spent with family, friends and in the pursuit of personal goals, hobbies, and endeavors.

Some examples of our many benefits:

• Sikich maintains a Flexible Time Off (FTO) Policy. We encourage every full-time employee, as your role permits, to utilize paid time off (personal time, mental/physical health care, vacation, sick leave, etc.). Waiting for time off to accrue is common at other companies. At Sikich, you do not have to wait for this benefit to kick in. FTO is activated on your first day with our organization.
• Sikich will also recognize paid holidays during the year and strives to permit employees to have time off the last week of the calendar year when client and project work permits. 
• Sikich offers a comprehensive wellness program to engage, challenge and empower team members to take responsibility for their wellbeing. Activities can be tracked through our wellness provider to obtain gift cards and other rewards.

We also offer:

• Flexible work arrangements
• Health, dental, vision, life, and accident/death/disability insurance options
• HSA employer contribution
• Nine (9) paid holidays annually.
• A robust paid Parental Bonding Leave program covering birth, adoption, and foster      children.
• 401(k) with employer contributions
• CPA bonus with four (4) paid exam days & four (4) paid study days.
• Tuition reimbursement
• Generous employee referral bonus program
• Client referral bonus program
• Pet insurance
• FORCE – Sikich community volunteer program enabling each team member to use up to four hours of paid time annually to volunteer and make a difference in their local communities.

Want to learn more? Visit our Careers website or Glassdoor profile.

Sikich is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

Sikich practices in an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Professional Code of Conduct and applicable law, regulations, and professional standards. Sikich CPA LLC is a licensed CPA firm that provides audit and attest services to its clients, and Sikich LLC and its subsidiaries provide tax and business advisory services to its clients. Sikich CPA LLC has a contractual arrangement with Sikich LLC under which Sikich LLC supports Sikich CPA LLC’s performance of its professional services. Sikich LLC and its subsidiaries are not licensed CPA firms.

“Sikich” is the brand name under which Sikich CPA LLC and Sikich LLC provide professional services.  The entities under the Sikich brand are independently owned and are not liable for the services provided by any other entity providing services under the Sikich brand. The use of the terms “our company”, “we” and “us” and other similar terms denote the alternative practice structure of Sikich CPA LLC and Sikich LLC. 

*Official correspondence will come from a Sikich.com email address and applicants/candidates are invited to contact us directly to verify communications.