Payroll Manager at Pet Food Experts,LLC – PAWTUCKET, Rhode Island

At Pet Food Experts (PFX), payroll isn’t just about numbers—it’s about trust. When people get paid accurately and on time, it allows them to focus on what they do best: supporting our customers, our partners, and each other.

We’re looking for a Payroll Manager to own and elevate our payroll operations for approximately 1,200 employees across multiple states. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on precision, values compliance, and takes pride in building strong, reliable systems that work quietly and flawlessly behind the scenes.

You’ll lead end-to-end payroll processing, manage one direct report, and serve as a key partner to Accounting, Finance, HR, and our payroll service providers.

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm, hybrid schedule - 3 days in office per week

Lead accurate, compliant payroll processing

• Own the full payroll cycle, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and regulatory compliance
• Review and approve payroll transactions including wages, deductions, garnishments, and tax withholdings

Build and maintain strong controls

• Establish and refine payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations and reporting requirements
• Lead payroll audits and proactively mitigate risk

Drive reconciliation and accuracy

• Perform payroll and general ledger reconciliations
• Identify, investigate, and resolve discrepancies
• Oversee year-end activities including W-2 and ACA reporting

Lead and support

• Supervise and provide oversight for one Payroll Administrator
• Ensure consistency, accountability, and operational excellence

Partner cross-functionally

• Collaborate with Accounting, Finance, HR, and external vendors
• Maintain relationships with payroll service providers and tax agencies
• Review approved expense reports for compliance with the PFX Travel Policy
  

• Payroll Accuracy: 99%+ error-free payrolls
• Timeliness: 100% on-time payroll delivery
• Compliance: Zero penalties or late filings
• Audit Results: Positive internal and external audit outcomes
• Reconciliations: Clean payroll account reconciliations

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including multi-state payroll
• Prior supervisory or management experience
• Strong knowledge of payroll compliance, tax regulations, and audit practices
• Experience with large payroll systems (Paylocity experience a plus)
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and integrity

Pet Food Experts is a growing, values-driven organization built on Family, Inclusion, Dependability, Curiosity, and Humility. These aren’t just words on a wall — they shape how we work, collaborate, and support one another.

We take pride in creating an environment where expertise is respected, accountability is valued, and people genuinely enjoy working together. This role sits at the center of that experience, ensuring one of the most critical employee touchpoints — payroll — runs flawlessly.

If you’re someone who finds satisfaction in getting the details right, strengthening processes, and contributing to a team that truly values dependable execution, we’d love to hear from you.

Benefits & Perks of Being Part of the PFX Pack

• Competitive Compensation
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Retirement Savings with Employer Match
• Flexible Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company-Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet Perks & Product Discounts
• Additional Voluntary Benefits

Pet Food Experts is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive, respectful workplace.

All employment offers are contingent upon completion of a background check.