Payroll Manager

Specific compensation will be based on candidate’s experience, skills, qualifications, commercial considerations, and other job-related factors permitted by law. At Russell Investments, salary is just one part of our compensation package. Our total rewards approach includes an annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility criteria) in addition to participation in our competitive benefits programs including healthcare, retirement, vacation, and wellbeing programs.

The Payroll Manager is a critical contributor to the success of Russell Investments’ Global Payroll team. This position is responsible for managing and processing the US and Canada payrolls.  This role requires a highly analytical and detail-oriented professional with a strong work ethic, capable of driving excellence in Global Payroll. This individual is comfortable working in a matrixed organization and collaborating with multiple leaders to ensure cohesive and effective program management. 

Reporting to the Senior Manager of Global Payroll, the Payroll Manager will collaborate with key internal stakeholders – including Global HR, Finance, and Legal – and external vendors to ensure compliance and seamless delivery of Payroll. This individual will manage a variety of responsibilities including processing payroll, addressing payroll queries, managing payroll compliance and providing exceptional customer service. 

This role is ideal for someone eager to not only support and enhance existing programs but also to innovate and shape the future of work within our team. The successful candidate will bring expertise, fresh perspectives, and a commitment to building a best-in-class Payroll structure that aligns with Russell Investments’ global priorities. 

 
Location: Seattle, WA 

Responsibilities

• Processing full function Semi-Monthly payroll from start to finish.  This includes, but is not limited to terminations, leaves, redundancies, new starters, ad-hoc changes, Payroll Tax, pensions and other benefits, role changes, reconciling pay runs, facilitate payroll fundings, and month/year end reporting. 

• Processing equity transactions and payments related to Long-Term Incentive (LTI) programs, as well as special incentives and other ad-hoc incentive payments, ensuring accurate payroll treatment, tax compliance, and timely processing.

• Conduct regular payroll audits and ensuring compliance with statutory laws & tax regulations.

• Ensure data integrity and provide support for implementing system upgrades and enhancements.

• Monitor and resolve payroll discrepancies, investigating and resolving issues promptly and accurately.

• Generate payroll reports, including tax filings, benefits deductions, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Address employee inquiries and concerns related to payroll, providing exceptional service and support.

• Stay updated on payroll regulations, tax laws and industry trends, implementing necessary changes to ensure compliance and best practices.

• Work with the Global HR Team on projects related to efficiency and process improvements.

• Work with finance to carry out all payroll related activities regarding month end and year end close.

• Coordinate with internal and external audit for the annual payroll audit.

• General administration duties related to payroll services.

• Support with international assignments and complex issues like redundancies, Shadow Payroll and foreign income tax reporting.

• Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement effective changes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

• Administer accurate file management of all Associate and company records to meet the compliance requirements of legal and statutory regulations. 

• Global payroll support as needed.

Competencies

• 5 to 7 years global payroll experience in the US and Canada.

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, business administration, finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience. 

• Comprehensive experience managing payroll across multiple states.

• Eagerness to improve processes and create a more valuable, impactful Payroll program. 

• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively at all levels of the organization and with external partners. 

• Strong integrity, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality. 

• Excellent organizational, time management, and analytical skills, with keen attention to detail. 

• Proficiency in HRIS systems, preferably ADP Workforce Now, ADP Streamline and Workday. 

• Strong problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to manage competing priorities. 

• Proven track record with high volume and complex payroll processing. 

• Experience working in a Global environment processing pay in multiple countries would be advantageous

• Sound and up to date knowledge of payroll and general HR practices, procedures and legislation 

• Experience with month & year end reporting, reconciliations & payments. 

• Advanced Microsoft Excel and Word skills. 

This role is not eligible for employment-based immigration sponsorship. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship, now or in the future.

Russell Investments is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all associates and employment applicants regardless of race, religion, ancestry, creed, color, gender (including gender identity which refers to a person's actual or perceived sex, and includes self-image, appearance, behavior or expression, whether or not different from that traditionally associated with a person's biological sex), age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation,  past or present unemployment status , or any other characteristic protected by law.