R2A Manager - Payroll Accounting

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There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

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Job Description

SUMMARY

This role will be responsible for preparing and reviewing high-risk journal entries and reconciliations, leading clean-up and issue resolution efforts, and ensuring accurate and timely period-end close activities. This role requires a critical thinker who can identify accounting risks, mentor team members, and collaborate effectively across multiple functions.

The payroll manager supports and oversees the daily operations, ensuring adherence to SLA and productivity metrics, but also play a key role in strengthening internal controls, ensuring audit readiness, and identifying and implementing improvement opportunities.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Own the end-to-end payroll accounting process including monthly accruals, reconciliations, and journal entries
• Prepare and manage payroll-related journals for Unpaid salaries and wages, Bonuses and incentives, Unused vacation and leave balances, 13th month pay or statutory accruals, Employer contributions to statutory benefits, and other applicable transactions.
• Analyze and resolve variances between timekeeping records and GL data, including mismatches in hours worked vs. paid, discrepancies in overtime or leave transactions, payroll output vs. accrual differences, and incorrect mapping of cost centers or wage type.
• Ensure compliance with internal financial controls and external audit requirements
• Drive strategic payroll projects that reduce processing time, eliminate recurring variances, establish audit-ready documentation standards, and embed governance checkpoints across the payroll lifecycle.
• Partner with Finance, HR, Payroll/Timekeeping and other teams to ensure accuracy and timeliness in payroll reporting
• Guide and mentor a payroll accounting team while staying actively involved in the day-to-day processes.
• Create reports aligned with agreed SLAs and develop strategies to consistently meet or exceed SLA and productivity targets.
• Manages and acts as escalation point for complex accounting issues within the team and makes the right decisions as necessary 
• Accountable for the team’s business continuity implementation and execution and input to strategy 
• Plans and develops multiple short to medium term projects and contribute to long term initiatives planning. Leads moderate to complex projects as required by the business. 
• Actively manage talent (recruit and retain high caliber individuals) and build people capability including the strategies for the execution of goals and objectives
• Develop strong stakeholder relationship by driving effective communications and developing effective stakeholder management plan.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accountancy, Finance, or a related field
• At least 7–10 years of experience in finance or accounting, with 3–5 years in a payroll accounting role
• Minimum 3 years of managerial experience with strong background in controllership.
• Solid knowledge of payroll-related reconciliations (e.g., timekeeping vs. payroll register, payroll vs. GL, accruals vs. actual payouts) using systems such as Workday, ADP, ADP GlobalView, and Oracle
• Proven ability to lead process improvement initiatives and strengthen compliance frameworks
• CPA license is a plus but not required

Additional Information

Attributes:

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to handle sensitive information professionally.
• Proven leadership skills in managing teams, monitoring performance, and driving operational efficiency.
• Detail-oriented and analytical, with a continuous improvement mindset and the ability to meet strict deadlines and SLA targets.

About AECOM  

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work  

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.