Job Title: Payroll Manager
Location: Ceres India - Bangalore
The Ceres Commitment
Ceres Environmental Services is a national leader in crisis management, rapid response, and disaster recovery, committed to rebuilding stronger and safer communities. Since 1976, Ceres has been awarded over $3.2 billion in government-funded contracts, helping people when they need it most.
Our services span emergency response, environmental services, planning, and consulting including debris removal, blue roof installation, logistics, debris management, demolition, recycling, forest management, and coastal and marine restoration. As a licensed general contractor, we bring unmatched expertise to restore stability where it's needed most.
Driven by Purpose, Powered by People
At Ceres, you're more than just an employee you're part of a team with purpose and a meaningful mission. Whether in management, field operations, or behind the scenes, every team member plays a vital role in restoring hope and rebuilding communities.
We value initiative, respect diversity, and empower our people to lead. Our culture is built on resilience, teamwork, and accountability. If you show up with compassion, act with urgency, and deliver solutions, you'll feel right at home. We don't just respond to challenges we rise to them.
Role Overview
The Lead - Payroll is responsible for end-to-end US payroll operations, governance, and compliance, ensuring accurate and timely payroll delivery. This role drives operational excellence, manages audits and tax compliance, and partners closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless payroll execution and regulatory adherence.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Operations & Processing: Manage end-to-end US payroll (weekly/bi-weekly/monthly) for multiple entities, ensuring 100% accuracy and compliance with federal and state regulations.
Tax Compliance & Reporting: Oversee payroll taxes, deductions, filings, and year-end reporting (W-2, W-2C, amendments), ensuring full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Audits, Reconciliation & Controls: Lead pre- and post-payroll audits, wage reconciliations, and resolve discrepancies. Support SOX controls and internal/external audits.
Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with HR, Finance, and business stakeholders to ensure accurate GL and tax reporting, and address complex payroll queries.
Process Improvement & Governance: Review and enhance payroll processes, implement controls, and drive continuous improvement for efficiency and compliance.
Regulatory & Legislative Tracking: Monitor and implement changes related to payroll laws, tax regulations, and system enhancements.
Team Leadership & Development: Manage, coach, and develop payroll team members while ensuring continuous training and process knowledge enhancement.
Required Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's / master's degree in finance, Accounting, Human Resources, or a related field
Experience
8-12 years of experience in
US payroll operationsProven experience in
managing end-to-end payroll, audits, and complianceHands-on experience handling
multi-state US payroll
Knowledge & Skills
Strong knowledge of
US payroll laws, employment tax regulations, and compliance requirementsHands-on experience with
payroll systems (ADP, Paycom, or similar)Expertise in
payroll audits, reconciliations, and discrepancy resolutionStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsExcellent communication and stakeholder management skillsHigh attention to detail and ability to manage complex payroll scenarios
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in
GCC / global payroll environmentsExposure to
SOX compliance and audit frameworksStrong experience in
process improvement and automation initiatives
What to Expect
As a Lead - Payroll at Ceres India, you will play a critical role in ensuring payroll accuracy, compliance, and operational excellence across US payroll functions. You will lead governance, audits, and process improvements while supporting a high-impact, fast-paced environment.
You can expect a role that requires precision, ownership, and strong stakeholder collaboration, where success is defined by seamless payroll execution, zero compliance gaps, and continuous process enhancement.
Why Join Ceres?
At Ceres, you won't just have a job you'll have a mission. Your work will directly impact how quickly and effectively communities recover after disasters.
We offer:
A collaborative, mission-driven work cultureOpportunities for professional growth and leadershipExposure to U.S.-based operations and global stakeholdersThe opportunity to make a meaningful, lasting difference in disaster recovery efforts
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