Payroll Manager

Schwan's Company • Marshall, MN

23h • $83,000 - $139,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

At CJ Schwan’s, we don’t just make food — we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron®, bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith’s®. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation and the power of food to bring people together.

Our next Payroll Manager is a hands-on leader who plays a critical role in delivering accurate, compliant, and seamless payroll for our employees. You will partner closely with the Payroll Director to drive operational excellence while collaborating cross‑functionally with HR, Legal, and IT. The Payroll Manager will help advance our payroll capabilities, strengthen controls and systems, and elevate the overall employee pay experience as CJ Schwan’s continues to grow. This hybrid-based role can be based in either Hopkins, MN, or Marshall, MN.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including operational leadership
• Strong knowledge of payroll operations, wage and hour regulations, and compliance best practices
• Hands-on experience with payroll systems (e.g., Workday, ADP, UKG, SAP, or similar)
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Minimum of 5 years of related experience in payroll administration.
• Extensive experience in handling complex payroll scenarios and multi-state payroll operations.
• Proven expertise in using advanced payroll software and systems (e.g., ADP, SAP, Workday) including configuration, reporting, and integration capabilities.
• Strong analytical mindset and exceptional problem-solving skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, formulas, pivot tables, and macros.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Continuous improvement mindset and experience optimizing payroll processes.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), preferred
• Experience in multi-state or complex payroll environments preferred
• Familiarity with SOX controls and audit support preferred
• Professional certifications such as Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Global Payroll Management are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing across employee populations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
• Review payroll results, reconciliations, and system data to maintain integrity across HR, timekeeping, and payroll platforms.
• Partner with the Payroll Director to execute payroll strategy, priorities, and key initiatives.
• Lead and develop the payroll team, promoting accountability, continuous improvement, and service excellence.
• Collaborate with HR, Legal, IT, Finance and Tax to support compliance, employee data accuracy, audits, and payroll system effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with wage and hour laws, payroll regulations, and internal controls, including SOX requirements.
• Drive process improvements and system enhancements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
• Support payroll system upgrades, testing, and optimization in partnership with IT.

Benefits

• Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager