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About the job

ZGF is seeking a Payroll Manager to join our team in our Portland, OR office. This role owns the full payroll life-cycle for six US and one Canadian location. This will administers payroll and timekeeping while maintaining related standards, controls, and resolves escalated payroll and tax matters.

As a Payroll Manager , you will….

Own the payroll lifecycle from validation and approval through funding, payment, accounting, reporting, and review

Process accurate bi-weekly payroll, including earnings, bonuses, adjustments, deductions, garnishments, taxes, and final pay

Own the monthly Partner payroll process, including distribution processing, deduction and withholding administration, payroll system maintenance, reporting, and reconciliation support; serve as the primary resource for Partner payroll inquiries, information requests, and year-end payroll reporting

Administer timesheet schedules, approvals, corrections, exceptions, reminders, and period close

Maintain timekeeping standards and configurations; guide employees and managers on entry and approvals.

Validate payroll master data and authorized changes

Oversee U.S. and Canadian payroll compliance through outsourced tax providers

Review payroll registers, exceptions, tax notices, and funding; resolve discrepancies before finalization

Reconcile payroll bank activity, clearing and liability accounts, deductions, taxes, and provider payments; post journal entries

Manage outsourced U.S. and Canadian tax reporting and filing, including data, funding, approvals, remittances, year-end reporting, notices, and service levels

Serve as the payroll subject matter expert and escalation point for payroll, tax withholding, payments, and timesheet questions

Administer payroll and timekeeping configurations, security, workflows, integrations, testing, upgrades, data integrity, and vendors

Design and operate controls for approvals, segregation of duties, access, changes, reconciliations, exceptions, and evidence

Maintain policies, procedures, process maps, calendars, and control documentation; coordinate audits and remediation

Prepare payroll, labor, tax, and compliance reporting; identify trends, risks, and improvements

Partner with Accounting, Finance, People + Culture, operational leaders, and service providers on funding, labor reporting, close, compliance, and operations

Qualifications:

Six to eight years of progressive U.S. multi-state and Canadian payroll experience

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field; equivalent experience considered

Advanced payroll, timekeeping, and ERP system skills; Deltek Vantagepoint and Dayforce preferred

CPP designation preferred

Strong communication, analysis, discretion, and attention to detail

Knowledge of U.S. and Canadian payroll tax, wage-and-hour, garnishment, remittance, reporting, and record-retention requirements

Experience owning processes, controls, procedures, and system implementations

Base Salary Range:

$110,000/yr - $130,000/yr depending on experience

Benefits ZGF employees enjoy medical, dental, and vision coverage with a generous employer contribution; an HSA with employer contribution; a 401(k) with employer match; four weeks of PTO; 10 paid holidays per year; and paid parental and family leave programs.

Apply With:

Cover letter

Resume

We know that great projects take more than a design team to become a reality. Whether you're a finance professional, project manager, or specialist in another field, your expertise helps create a healthier, more equitable built environment. Studies show that women and people from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. We encourage you to apply even if you don't check every box—your skills and experiences may be exactly what we need.

ZGF Architects is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate the unique qualities and perspectives that each individual brings to our team. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities to apply. Regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law, we are excited to consider qualified candidates.

If you're ready to contribute to meaningful work, we invite you to submit your cover letter and resume online.