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Assistant Payroll Manager

The Davey Tree Expert Company, Kent, OH, United States


Position Overview
The

Assistant Manager, Payroll

is responsible for coordinating the daily operations and technical workflow of the payroll team to ensure accurate and timely completion of pay cycles, tax filings, and year‑end activities. The role serves as the technical expert for payroll system optimizations, mergers and acquisitions integrations, and compliance audits while resolving escalated technical issues. It also ensures the maintenance of internal controls, compliance with federal and state regulations, and high‑quality service to the workforce.

Job Classification
Exempt position.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Carry out supervisory responsibilities in alignment with organizational policies and applicable laws, while promoting a culture of respect, collaboration, and accountability.

Interview, hire, develop, and retain employees.

Supervise, mentor, and guide a team of five or more full‑time employees.

Plan, assign, and direct work in a way that encourages employee autonomy while providing appropriate support.

Provide regular performance feedback and coaching, offering constructive feedback and identifying areas for professional growth.

Reward outstanding performance, celebrate team successes, and acknowledge individual contributions.

Job Duties

Manage the workflow and daily activities of payroll implementation to maintain quality standards of customer service and adherence to pay‑cycle timelines.

Implement and review payroll processing systems to ensure the accurate flow of garnishments and taxes.

Facilitate payroll integration projects for new company acquisitions.

Identify and recommend updates to payroll software and internal procedures to increase efficiency and data security.

Serve as the technical expert for payroll laws, tax regulations, and accounting principles.

Review and reconcile weekly tax filings with the third‑party payroll provider.

Manage the submission of union reports via digital and manual filing systems.

Oversee prevailing wage processes and reporting requirements.

Facilitate audits by preparing complex documentation and ensuring all internal controls are followed by the clerical team.

Conduct thorough payroll reviews and resolve discrepancies each pay period; verify special items on the payroll preview (off‑cycle requests, terminations, and retroactive pay).

Resolve highly complex and escalated payroll issues that fall outside the scope of Payroll Specialists.

Lead year‑end activities.

Prepare and maintain accurate records and reports of payroll transactions, including variance analysis for management review.

Maintain regular and reliable attendance and punctuality.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Follow all company policies, procedures, and work rules.

Competencies

Demonstrates understanding of federal, state, and local payroll laws, wage and hour regulations, and tax requirements.

Manages the technical infrastructure and workflow of payroll operations to drive efficiency and accuracy.

Directs the daily workflow to ensure pay‑cycle timelines and quality standards are met.

Qualifications

Required: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.

Required: 4 years of progressive payroll experience, with at least 1‑2 years in a lead or supervisory capacity.

Required: Extensive knowledge of internal controls, payroll taxes, and ERP systems (SAP preferred).

Required: Expert level in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables for variance analysis).

Preferred: Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP).

Benefits

Group health plans

Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance

Life insurance

Paid parental leave

401k with up to a 4% company match

Employee Stock Purchase Plan: opportunity to buy company stock at a 15% discount

Holidays and paid time off

Payroll savings plan

Charitable matching gift program

Employee referral bonus program

Employee Educational Scholarship

Davey Family Scholarship

20% discount on all Davey services

Cell phone discounts

Vehicle purchase discount program

All listed benefits are available to eligible employees on Day 1.

Union employees are not eligible for 401k but may be eligible to join pension plans negotiated by the local union.

Salary Range
$70,000‑90,000 based on experience.

Employment Type
Permanent, Full Time.

Travel Expectations: Up to 25%.

Accommodations
If requested by employee or otherwise as required by law, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The Davey Tree Expert Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected class, including race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, marital or familial status, disability, status as a protected veteran, status as an Aboriginal or Indigenous person, or other classification protected by law.

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