Systems Manager, Payroll

Position Overview

The Systems Manager, Payroll is responsible for managing the organization’s payroll operations, ensuring timely and accurate payment for all associates. Accountable for payroll reporting throughout the business as well as the configuration, maintenance, and continuous optimization of payroll systems and processes. This role is ideal for a leader who will have deep functional expertise in Workday Payroll, workforce management technologies, and payroll-related system operations. Leads a team of Analysts and Specialists while contributing to the development of payroll policies, procedures, and best practices. Drives the optimization and efficiency of payroll process, ensuring reporting and analysis of delivering actionable business insights. Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and external vendors to support payrolls operations and strategic initiatives. Strong ability to balance system administration, process improvement, compliance, and team development while serving as a trusted partner across the organization.

A Day in the Life

• Serve as the primary system owner and subject matter expert for Workday Payroll, Zebra Timekeeping, and ADP, managing system configuration, maintenance, security, integrations, and ongoing optimization to ensure data integrity and operational efficiency.  Drive payroll technology and process transformation initiates through system configuration, workflow automation, business process redesign, and implementation of new payroll functionality.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of payroll professionals, fostering technical expertise, process discipline, and continuous improvement while driving adoption of payroll technology enhancements and best practices.  Manage end-to-end payroll processing, including weekly payroll processing and reporting, system validations, exception management, reconciliations, controls, and issue resolution across multiple pay groups and jurisdictions 

• Partner closely with HR, Finance, IT, and business leaders to support enterprise system integrations, data governance, cross-functional projects, and strategic payroll initiatives. Support strategic HRIS and payroll technology initiatives, including system upgrades, vendor management, enhancement requests, and roadmap planning to ensure scalable and efficient payroll operations. Lead payroll system testing and release management activities, including requirements gathering, configuration validation, integration testing, user acceptance testing (UAT), deployment planning, and post-implementation support. 

• Ensure regulatory and compliance adherence by maintaining payroll system controls that support federal, state, and local payroll requirements, as well as SOX compliance, audit readiness, and internal control standards. Develop and maintain advanced reporting, dashboards, and analytics using Workday and related technologies to support payroll operations, financial reporting, compliance monitoring, workforce insights, and executive decision-making.  Leverage payroll and workforce data to identify trends, enhance operational performance, improve data quality, strengthen controls, and support data-driven business decisions 

You'll Come With

Education: Bachelor’s Degree required; CPA or MBA preferred

Ideal Experience:

·       5-7+ years of payroll experience 

·       Experience managing payroll teams 

·       Strong understanding of payroll controls and compliance 

·       Workday Payroll and ADP experience preferred 

·       Exceptional analytical, communication, and leadership skills 

·       Bachelor's degree required; CPA/MBA preferred 

Preferred Qualifications:

·       Extensive experience with Workday Payroll administration and configuration. 

·       Experience with Zebra Timekeeping, ADP, and payroll-related integrations. 

·       Strong knowledge of payroll compliance, taxation, SOX controls, and audit requirements. 

·       Experience leading payroll system implementations, upgrades, and process automation initiatives. 

·       Advanced reporting, analytics, and data management skills. 

·       Proven ability to lead teams while partnering effectively across HR, Finance, IT, and business functions. 

Burlington Stores is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.  Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship by the company. 

Come join our team. You’re going to like it here!  

You will enjoy competitive wages, flexible hours, and an associate discount. Burlington’s benefits package includes medical, dental and vision coverage including life and disability insurance. Full-time associates are also eligible for paid time off, paid holidays and a 401(k) plan. 

We are a rapidly growing brand and provide a variety of training and development opportunities so our associates can grow with us. Our teams work hard and have fun together! Burlington associates make a difference in the lives of customers, colleagues, and the communities where we live and work every day. Burlington Stores, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity

Individual pay decisions will be based on a variety of factors, such as but not limited to, qualifications, education, job-related skills, relevant experience, and geographic location.

Compensation Range: $95,000.00 - $125,000.00