Senior Manager, Payroll

Position Summary

The Senior Manager Payroll leads the payroll function from a strategic and daily processing perspective. The Senior Manager ensures the delivery of accurate and timely weekly and semi-monthly payroll as well as compliance with rules and regulations. They will be expected to proactively address the changing needs of the business and drive process efficiencies. This crucial role demands outstanding collaboration and communication skills and a commitment to delivering excellent customer service to internal customers.

Essential Responsibilities

• Drive operational excellence in payroll execution ensuring the timely processing of weekly and semi-monthly payrolls for over 23,000 employees, guaranteeing accuracy and addressing any issues promptly
• Work as a strategic business partner within JetBlue with the People, Finance, Legal, and Labor Relations teams in addition to various operational workgroups to develop strategies related to the administration and execution of payroll processes
• Serve as the payroll liaison and expert for large cross-functional initiatives impacting payroll.
• Lead, inspire and mentor a team of payroll professionals across multiple locations, providing guidance and leadership which fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement
• Creatively troubleshoot and manage complex problems
• Manage internal control procedures within the department ensuring Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) compliance, collaborating with auditors, and facilitating compliance with regulatory agencies
• Proactively identify areas of process improvement and implement solutions to automate and streamline processes to drive efficiency while maintaining strong controls
• Ensure proper testing and implementation of any system enhancements affecting payroll
• Manage relationships with third party international payroll providers
• Ensure correct taxation of payroll and timely filings with appropriate government authorities
• Serve as a subject matter expert for payroll, payroll taxes and payroll related systems
• Manage a high degree of change in a fast paced, complex and demanding environment
• Ad hoc projects, reporting and analysis as requested
• Take a significant role in the development of crewmembers to support their engagement, growth, and goal achievement
• Other duties as assigned 

Minimum Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field; OR demonstrated capability to perform job responsibilities with a combination of a High School Diploma/GED and at least four (4) years of previous relevant work experience
• Six (6) years of progressive payroll experience, with five (5) years of management experience
• Strong knowledge of payroll complexities, statutory requirements and best practices
• Current knowledge of US federal, state, and local payroll tax laws and regulations
• Proven track record of successful payroll related system implementations, upgrades and/or integrations
• Exceptional analytical capabilities, with a keen eye for detail, coupled with strong problem solving and project management skills
• Ability to thrive and deliver results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Available for overnight travel (10%)
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test

• Must be legally eligible to work in the country in which the position is located
• Authorization to work in the US is required. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship

Preferred Experience and Qualifications

• Eight (8) years of payroll experience, with five (5) years of management experience
• Experience with SAP Payroll and UKG Dimensions time management systems
• Certified Professional Payroll Certification (CPP)
• Automatic Data Processing (ADP) tax provider experience

• Previous airline industry experience

Crewmember Expectations:

• Regular attendance and punctuality
• Potential need to work flexible hours and be available to respond on short-notice
• Able to maintain a professional appearance
• When working or traveling on JetBlue flights, and if time permits, all capable crewmembers are asked to assist with light cleaning of the aircraft
• Must be an appropriate organizational fit for the JetBlue culture, that is, exhibit the JetBlue values of Safety, Caring, Integrity, Passion and Fun
• Must fulfill safety accountabilities as prescribed by JetBlue’s Safety Management System
• Promote JetBlue’s #1 value of safety as a Safety Ambassador, supporting JetBlue’s Safety Management System (SMS) components, Safety Policy, and behavioral standards
• Identify safety and/or security concerns, issues, incidents or hazards that should be reported and report them whenever possible and by any means necessary including JetBlue’s confidential reporting systems (Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) and Safety Action Report (SAR))
• Responsible for adhering to all applicable laws, regulations (FAA, OSHA, DOT, etc.) and Company policies, procedures and risk controls 
• Uphold JetBlue’s safety performance metric goals and understand how they relate to their duties and responsibilities
• The use of ChatGPT or any other automated tool during the interview process will disqualify a candidate from being considered for the position

Equipment:

• Computer and other office equipment

Work Environment:

• Traditional office environment

Physical Effort:  

• Generally not required, or up to 10 pounds occasionally, 0 pounds frequently (Sedentary)

Compensation:

• The base pay range for this position is between $115,000.00 and $165,000.00 per year. Base pay is one component of JetBlue’s total compensation package, which may also include performance bonuses, restricted stock units, as well as access to healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan and company match, crewmember stock purchase plan, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, free space available travel on JetBlue, and more

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