Job Description

At EXP, we’re driven to provide innovative solutions for the world’s built and natural environments. As a team of engineers, architects, designers, scientists, creators and a community of professionals, we bring diverse and talented people together to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Here, you join a team that leverages differences, harnesses their entrepreneurial spirit in an employee-owned company, that believes diversity is what gives us strength, seeks sustainable results and shares ambitions for each other, our clients and the communities we are part of and serve. To be a part of EXP means to have your own experience, while staying connected to a global network of professionals, who believe we are a part of something bigger. Together, we are EXP.

Are you ready to design your future?

Be our next Payroll Manager (Hybrid)!

Your work environment at EXP

In this role, you will be a part of the Payroll Team in our Chicago, Houston, Washington, D.C. or Orlando Office.

What a day at EXP has in store for you

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for multi-state and multi‑entity operations
• Lead and execute bi-weekly payroll processing for 1200+ employees
• Prepare payroll and accrual journal entries
• Review and validate payroll data including new hires, terminations, employee changes, and domestic/international transfers
• Assist with weekly timesheet review to ensure compliance with federal and state labor regulations
• Partner with HR to ensure proper integration of HRIS and 3rd party benefit administrator with payroll
• Oversee garnishments, benefits, and deductions
• Reconcile monthly benefit invoices to ensure accurate coverage and company cost
• Lead, mentor, and develop the payroll team, providing coaching and performance management
• Oversee daily workflow, provide guidance, and implement best practices to improve efficiency and accuracy
• Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with company policies and applicable federal, state, and local regulations, tax regulations and prevailing wage requirements
• Complete payroll audits, reconciliations, tax filings, and year-end activities (W-2s, amendments, etc.)
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures
• Identify process inefficiencies and implement improvements to increase accuracy and efficiency
• Serve as the primary subject matter expert for payroll-related inquiries and audits

What your experience looks like

• Proficiency in all aspects of payroll processing within a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and adapt to shifting priorities
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• 10 + years of progressive payroll experience, including 3+ years in a management role
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance preferred
• CPP certification preferred
• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, tax compliance, and multi‑state payroll
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage complex workflows
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, troubleshooting)
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex payroll topics clearly

The salary range for this role is $125,000 to $140,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate's skill set, experience, certifications, and geographic location. Compensation may vary by location due to differences in the cost of labor.

In addition to competitive pay, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for all full-time employees, including health insurance, vacation time, and 401(k) retirement benefits.

Our story

With a mission to understand, innovate, partner and deliver, EXP provides engineering, architecture, design and consulting services to the world’s built and natural environments.

Our heritage dates back to 1906, when the earliest of EXP’s predecessor companies started its engineering infrastructure practice. Today, thousands of creative professionals across EXP work together to deliver extraordinary experiences year after year.

What makes us different

The passion, enthusiasm, diversity and industry-leading capabilities of our employees make us who we are. We’re committed to providing a challenging work environment that cultivates career growth, encourages creativity and rewards excellence.

Find out more about life at EXP by visiting www.exp.com