Senior Manager, Payroll

About the Team

Our Human Resources team defies all conventional expectations and is a business-connected solutions provider. The work we do directly aligns with the company’s core areas of focus, and we ensure that associates and leaders are ready to support those strategic objectives. Our HR team is comprised of different departments, including Talent Acquisition, HR business partners, Learning & Development, Compensation & Benefits, and Shared Services. We enable meaningful careers for all and build our Associate Workplace Experience!

About the Location

Collaborative Work Environment: At PetSmart, teamwork and connection are core to how we thrive. This role is based at our Phoenix Home Office, with an expectation of working a minimum of four days in the office each week. In a standard work week, associates may work up to one remote “flex day” (with leader approval). Our hybrid approach is designed to foster strong collaboration while also supporting flexibility and individual success.

About the Job

This role is crucial in managing payroll processes and ensuring compliance with the law and government regulations (e.g., OT, final pay, wage and hour).

Responsibilities

Maintains exemplary confidentiality, sensitivity, and data security standards for all payroll-related information

Manages the full cycle payroll process for North America, including payroll tax reporting, compliance, and remittance

Provides oversight and direction for the overall payroll function to ensure accurate and timely delivery of payroll services

Drives best practices and process optimization as the subject matter expert in payroll projects, including documentation and improvements

Drives and participates in payroll testing as part of run-the-business and projects

Ensures internal and external audits and reconciliations align with policies, procedures, and legal standards

Guides, coaches, mentors, and develops payroll staff

Oversees and partners with external vendors involved in payroll processing

Builds partnerships with internal and external payroll stakeholders to define and develop successful, scalable processes and practices

Leads internal controls and documentation in accordance with SOX

Ensures that payroll records and information are maintained in accordance with statutory requirements

Provides excellent customer service and support to address pay-related inquiries and concerns

Stays up to date on payroll regulations, tax laws, and industry trends, implementing necessary changes to ensure compliance and best practices

Qualifications

10+ years of cumulative experience with U.S. and Canada hourly and salaried payroll processing in multi-state and multi-entity environments; additional countries a plus

Knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations and tax laws

Experience with payroll tax filings and reporting to appropriate agencies

5+ years of people management experience

Must have strong problem-solving skills be able to maintain absolute confidentiality

Have exceptional attention to detail

Thrives in working in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment

Strong communication skills

CPP certification preferred

Payroll processing system understanding, SAP preferred

Advanced proficiency in Excel and other Microsoft Office products

Demonstrated ability to prioritize and meet deadlines

Proven experience in designing, implementing, and continuously optimizing payroll processes and internal controls

Union dues processing preferred

Commission-based pay preferred

Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, or finance

Additional Job Considerations

This role requires collaboration, teamwork, and face-to-face interaction with colleagues, leaders, and/or clients.

Being in the office ensures access to leaders, cross-functional partners, and resources necessary to make timely decisions and drive results.

On-site presence in accordance with our FlexSmart policy supports our culture of innovation, mentorship, and engagement, which is integral to our success in developing the best team.

* This is not intended to be an all-inclusive, exhaustive list of all essential job functions for this position. PetSmart retains the right to change or assign other required job duties to this position.

About the Culture

At PetSmart, we work hard to create a culture where every associate feels like they truly belong and we celebrate the unique stories, backgrounds, and experiences our associates share. These experiences not only bring new perspectives in shaping our Belonging culture but they’re core to PetSmart’s success.

Not sure if you meet 100% of the position requirements and whether you should apply? We’d still like to hear from you and encourage you to apply with us! You just may be the ideal candidate for this role, and if not this one, perhaps another position.

Our home office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including:

Pet friendly environment, bring your pets to work!

On-site Dog Park

“Top Dog” gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists and personal trainers

“Sit & Stay” Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options

On-site coffee bar

“Lil’ Paws” learning center and onsite daycare facility (associate paid)

Volunteer events with PetSmart Charities

Learn more about #Life A tPetSmart here: https://www.lifeatpetsmart.com/life-at-petsmart/

Check out Associate stories and share in some celebrations at PetSmart: https://www.blog.lifeatpetsmart.com/

Explore PetSmart Benefits here: https://benefits.petsmart.com/

If you don't already live in the Phoenix area here's a guide to the area: Welcome to Phoenix Guide

PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.

This role is crucial in managing payroll processes and ensuring compliance with the law and government regulations (e.g., OT, final pay, wage and hour).

Responsibilities

Maintains exemplary confidentiality, sensitivity, and data security standards for all payroll-related information

Manages the full cycle payroll process for North America, including payroll tax reporting, compliance, and remittance

Provides oversight and direction for the overall payroll function to ensure accurate and timely delivery of payroll services

Drives best practices and process optimization as the subject matter expert in payroll projects, including documentation and improvements

Drives and participates in payroll testing as part of run-the-business and projects

Ensures internal and external audits and reconciliations align with policies, procedures, and legal standards

Guides, coaches, mentors, and develops payroll staff

Oversees and partners with external vendors involved in payroll processing

Builds partnerships with internal and external payroll stakeholders to define and develop successful, scalable processes and practices

Leads internal controls and documentation in accordance with SOX

Ensures that payroll records and information are maintained in accordance with statutory requirements

Provides excellent customer service and support to address pay-related inquiries and concerns

Stays up to date on payroll regulations, tax laws, and industry trends, implementing necessary changes to ensure compliance and best practices

Qualifications

10+ years of cumulative experience with U.S. and Canada hourly and salaried payroll processing in multi-state and multi-entity environments; additional countries a plus

Knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations and tax laws

Experience with payroll tax filings and reporting to appropriate agencies

5+ years of people management experience

Must have strong problem-solving skills be able to maintain absolute confidentiality

Have exceptional attention to detail

Thrives in working in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment

Strong communication skills

CPP certification preferred

Payroll processing system understanding, SAP preferred

Advanced proficiency in Excel and other Microsoft Office products

Demonstrated ability to prioritize and meet deadlines

Proven experience in designing, implementing, and continuously optimizing payroll processes and internal controls

Union dues processing preferred

Commission-based pay preferred

Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, or finance

At PetSmart, we work hard to create a culture where every associate feels like they truly belong and we celebrate the unique stories, backgrounds, and experiences our associates share. These experiences not only bring new perspectives in shaping our Belonging culture but they’re core to PetSmart’s success.

Not sure if you meet 100% of the position requirements and whether you should apply? We’d still like to hear from you and encourage you to apply with us! You just may be the ideal candidate for this role, and if not this one, perhaps another position.

Our home office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including:

Pet friendly environment, bring your pets to work!

On-site Dog Park

“Top Dog” gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists and personal trainers

“Sit & Stay” Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options

On-site coffee bar

“Lil’ Paws” learning center and onsite daycare facility (associate paid)

Volunteer events with PetSmart Charities

Learn more about #Life A tPetSmart here: https://www.lifeatpetsmart.com/life-at-petsmart/

Check out Associate stories and share in some celebrations at PetSmart: https://www.blog.lifeatpetsmart.com/

Explore PetSmart Benefits here: https://benefits.petsmart.com/

If you don't already live in the Phoenix area here's a guide to the area: Welcome to Phoenix Guide

PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.