Job Location US-AZ-Phoenix Department Store Support Staff (Corporate/ Field Support) Position Type Full-Time Requisition ID JREQ-382566 Overview The Senior Manager Payroll is responsible for leading all aspects of payroll and payroll tax operations for a large, multi-state, multi-unit employee population currently consisting of over 36,000 team members at over 480 stores in 29 states as well as the Sprouts Support Office and Distribution Centers, ensuring a focus on policy and measurable input to new products and processes. This role ensures accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing in a high-volume environment while maintaining strong SOX controls and audit readiness. The Senior Manager Payroll oversees payroll systems (Workday Payroll), payroll tax compliance, vendor relationships, and a large, geographically distributed payroll team. Position reports into the Store Support Office in Phoenix, AZ. Hybrid schedule in office Tuesday-Thursday. Essential Functions Oversee end-to-end payroll and payroll tax processing as subject matter expert across multiple business units and legal entities. Ensure accurate and timely processing of regular, off-cycle, bonus, and equity-related payrolls, partnering with HR (compensation, benefits) team. Review and approve payroll registers, exception reports, variance analyses, and reconciliations. Manage a large, fully remote and geographically distributed team. Oversee and ensure accurate and timely payroll accounting processing in areas such as: accruals, general ledger journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations. Own payroll tax compliance across all applicable federal, state, and local jurisdictions. Ensure accurate calculation, filing, and remittance of payroll taxes, including unemployment, local, and reciprocity requirements. Oversee year-end payroll tax activities including W-2 s, 1099 s, and related reconciliations. Manage payroll tax audits, notices, and agency inquiries. Manage relationships with outsource partners to ensure accurate and timely completion of outsourced tasks. Monitor changes in payroll tax legislation and assess impact on the organization. Own payroll and payroll tax SOX processes, controls, and documentation. Design, maintain, and test internal controls over payroll processing, system access, and data integrity. Partner and communicate with Internal Audit, External Audit, and Finance on control testing, remediation, ongoing compliance, close processes, forecasting and payroll related financial reporting. Ensure proper segregation of duties and audit trails within Workday and related systems. Serve as business owner for Workday Payroll, including integrations with timekeeping, benefits, equity, and finance systems. Lead system enhancements, releases, testing, and process automation initiatives explaining necessary policies, practices and procedures of the job area to others. Ensure data accuracy, system security, and change management controls. Partner with HRIS and IT on system governance and optimization. Leverage vendor partnerships; experience working with ADP payroll and/or payroll tax services strongly preferred. Drive operational excellence, scalability, and continuous improvement across the team establishing performance standards, accountability, and professional development. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Physical Requirements Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field 10 years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership in a public company environment. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred. Deep expertise in multi-state payroll and payroll tax compliance. Experience managing high-volume payroll for large, complex organizations. Hands-on experience with Workday Payroll. Proven experience leading large, geographically distributed (remote) teams. Strong understanding of SOX, internal controls, and audit requirements#LI-MS 1