Manager, Payroll at Crete Professionals Alliance

About The Company

Founded in 2023, Crete Professionals Alliance (Crete PA) delivers big four firepower to local American firms. Our rapid growth has made us a magnet for leading firms nationwide, eager to join our revolution in accounting. We empower small to mid-market firms with PE-backed capital, strategic technology partnerships, and innovative workforce solutions—including national recruiting and offshore support—while preserving a personal, local touch. With a presence in over half the US, 17 regional offices, 900 dedicated professionals, and offshore operations in Asia, we're the fastest-growing accounting firm in the nation and well on our way to the top 20. At Crete PA, our culture and relationships are the cornerstone of our success, and we’re always looking for talented, ambitious people to join our team. Do you have what it takes to keep up?

Crete Professionals Alliance is a platform that partners with Accounting and Professional Services Firms and consolidates their back office functions, including payroll and benefits administration. This role will support the payroll functions and supporting benefits functions of firms that have already been integrated onto the platform, and will support Payroll Processors/Admins on the team.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Payroll Manager to join our HR team. This position will be responsible for payroll processing for integrated entities on our platform. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in payroll administration, project management skills, and experience managing multiple pay groups.

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll Processing:

• Multi-state Payroll Processing for assigned pay groups, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

• Maintain and update payroll records, including new hires, terminations, and changes in employee status.

• Reconcile payroll discrepancies and resolve any issues related to payroll processing.

• Prepare and distribute payroll reports to management and finance teams.

• Collaborate with the HR team to support employee inquiries related to payroll, taxation, and benefits.

• Complete payroll, tax, and benefit audits to verify that all systems remain up-to-date and accurate.

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including HR, IT, and Finance, to ensure seamless integration of new systems and processes.

• Conduct system audits and data migration activities to ensure accuracy and completeness.

• Assist with preparing training sessions for new acquisition teams on payroll and benefits processes and systems.

• Process 401k changes and fundings

• Assist with benefit and tax reconciliations

General Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain documentation related to payroll procedures

• Stay current with industry best practices and changes in payroll regulations to ensure compliance.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives related to payroll processing and project management.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in multi-state payroll processing

• Proven experience managing complex projects, preferably related to acquisition or integration activities.

• Strong knowledge of payroll systems, benefits administration, and compliance requirements. UKG experience highly preferred.

• Proven experience preparing, reconciling, and filing monthly, quarterly, and annual federal, state, and local payroll tax returns (Forms 941, 940, state withholding, state unemployment, etc.).

• Strong working knowledge of multi-state tax compliance, including state-specific deposit schedules and filing requirements.

· Experience with quarterly payroll tax reconciliations and resolving variances between payroll registers, general ledger, and tax filings.

· Familiarity with electronic filing systems (e.g., EFTPS, state portals, local tax agency sites).

• Demonstrated ability to research, resolve, and respond to tax notices from federal, state, and local agencies.

• Experience preparing amended returns (941-X or state equivalents) when errors are identified.

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and payroll software (e.g., ADP, Paychex, etc.).

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in Payroll (e.g., CPP) or Project Management (e.g., PMP) is a plus.

• Experience with HRIS systems and data migration processes.

• Familiarity with merger and acquisition processes and integration strategies.

Work Environment:

• Hybrid work environment

• Flexible working hours may be required to accommodate project timelines and deadlines.

We are excited to invite talented individuals to join our dynamic team! This position offers a competitive salary at $90,000-100k, plus offers a performance bonus both commensurate with experience and qualifications. Base salary may vary depending on candidate qualifications and location.

In addition to a rewarding career, we provide a robust benefits package, including:

· Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (with options for fully paid employee only coverage for health and dental)

· Company-Paid Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance

· Ancillary Benefits such as supplemental life insurance and short-term disability options

· Classic Safe Harbor 401(k) Plan with employer contributions

· Opportunities for professional growth, learning, and development including access to Becker and LinkedIn Learning

We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where every team member can thrive. Apply today to be part of a company that values its people and their contributions!

Crete Professionals Alliance is an equal opportunity employer, considering all applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state of federal law.