Payroll Manager

Build the future, spark innovation and align your career with purpose.

McKinstry is innovating the waste and climate harm out of the built environment and creating lasting impact. Together, we're building a thriving planet.

Buildings are a leading contributor to the climate crisis, generating nearly 40% of total global energy-related carbon emissions. We're making a lasting impact on our industry and within our communities by addressing the climate, affordability and equity crises through:

• renewables and energy services
• engineering and design
• construction and facility services

To get where we're going, we need big thinkers, problem solvers and collaborative mindsets. Does that sound like you?

The Opportunity with McKinstry

We are currently seeking a Payroll Manager to join our high-performing Accounting and Payroll team in Seattle. The Payroll Manager leads and oversees a payroll processing team to ensure the delivery of timely, accurate, and compliant payroll operations for both union and non-union employees across multiple local and state jurisdictions. This role manages highly complex pay rules, multiple collective bargaining agreements, and diverse state and federal regulatory requirements, while driving continuous process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy. By fostering collaboration with HR, Finance, and operational teams, the Payroll Manager ensures alignment with organizational goals, supports audits and reporting, and delivers exceptional service to employees and stakeholders.

In this role, you will

• Lead and Develop a High-Performing Payroll Team
  Drive strategic goals, coaching, and professional development to a multi-state union and non-union payroll team, fostering a collaborative, service-oriented culture that supports accuracy, accountability, and growth.
• Oversee Complex, Multi-State Union and Non-Union Payroll Operations
  Strategically manage end-to-end payroll processes for union and non-union employees across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring timeliness, accuracy, and compliance with collective bargaining agreements and regulatory requirements.
• Drive Continuous Process Improvement and Innovation
  Identify and implement process enhancements and technology-driven solutions to increase efficiency, strengthen controls, resolve complex issues, and better align payroll operations with evolving business needs.
• Collaborate Across the Organization
  Act as a key business partner to HR, Finance, Legal, and operational teams to ensure payroll practices support broader organizational strategies, compliance requirements, and workforce planning initiatives.
• Ensure Internal and External Audit Readiness and Compliance Excellence
  Lead efforts to maintain robust audit practices, proactively monitor regulatory changes, and uphold compliance with federal, state, and local regulations as well as union contract obligations.

What You Need to Succeed at McKinstry:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered
• 10 years of experience in multi-state payroll operations experience, prior union payroll experience strongly preferred
• 7 years of people management experience
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
• In-depth knowledge & experience with multi-state payroll regulations, tax laws, and reporting requirements
• Exceptional knowledge of wage & hour laws, ACA compliance, and labor auditing standards
• In depth experience with financial reporting, payroll accounting and account reconciliations, audit processes & requirements
• Understanding of process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) and payroll best practices
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing payroll team
• Ability to communicate complex payroll concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders
• Collaborate effectively with HR, Finance, Legal, IT, and external partners
• Maintain strict confidentiality and ensure data integrity and compliance

PeopleFirst Benefits

When it comes to the basics, we have you covered:

• Competitive pay
• 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out of pocket maximums

People come first at McKinstry, and we go beyond the basic benefits with:

• Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance
• Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave
• Transgender inclusive benefits
• Commuter benefits
• Pet insurance
• "Building Good" paid community service time
• Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University
• McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers

See benefit plan documents for complete details.

If you're driven by our vision to build a thriving planet together, McKinstry is the place to build your career.

The pay range for this position is $89,010-$151,300 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location.

The McKinstry group of companies are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, color, creed, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to employment, advancement, assignment, and training. This commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity is made equally as a social responsibility and as an economic and business necessity.

McKinstry is a drug-free workplace. Employment iscontingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, complying with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act and a Confidentiality Agreement, in addition to successful outcomes of background and reference checks.