Job Title: US Payroll Manager

Location: Ceres India – Bangalore

The Ceres Commitment

Ceres Environmental Services is a national leader in crisis management, rapid response, and disaster recovery, committed to rebuilding stronger and safer communities. Since 1976, Ceres has been awarded over $3.2 billion in government-funded contracts, helping people when they need it most.

Our services span emergency response, environmental services, planning, and consulting including debris removal, blue roof installation, logistics, debris management, demolition, recycling, forest management, and coastal and marine restoration. As a licensed general contractor, we bring unmatched expertise to restore stability where it's needed most.

Driven by Purpose, Powered by People

At Ceres, you're more than just an employee you're part of a team with purpose and a meaningful mission. Whether in management, field operations, or behind the scenes, every team member plays a vital role in restoring hope and rebuilding communities.

We value initiative, respect diversity, and empower our people to lead. Our culture is built on resilience, teamwork, and accountability. If you show up with compassion, act with urgency, and deliver solutions, you'll feel right at home. We don't just respond to challenges we rise to them.

Role Overview

The Lead – Payroll is responsible for end-to-end US payroll operations, governance, and compliance, ensuring accurate and timely payroll delivery. This role drives operational excellence, manages audits and tax compliance, and partners closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless payroll execution and regulatory adherence.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Operations & Processing:
Manage end-to-end US payroll (weekly/bi-weekly/monthly) for multiple entities, ensuring 100% accuracy and compliance with federal and state regulations.
Tax Compliance & Reporting:
Oversee payroll taxes, deductions, filings, and year-end reporting (W-2, W-2C, amendments), ensuring full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Audits, Reconciliation & Controls:
Lead pre- and post-payroll audits, wage reconciliations, and resolve discrepancies. Support SOX controls and internal/external audits.
Stakeholder Collaboration:
Partner with HR, Finance, and business stakeholders to ensure accurate GL and tax reporting, and address complex payroll queries.
Process Improvement & Governance:
Review and enhance payroll processes, implement controls, and drive continuous improvement for efficiency and compliance.
Regulatory & Legislative Tracking:
Monitor and implement changes related to payroll laws, tax regulations, and system enhancements.
Team Leadership & Development:
Manage, coach, and develop payroll team members while ensuring continuous training and process knowledge enhancement.

Required Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's / master's degree in finance, Accounting, Human Resources, or a related field

Experience

8–12 years of experience in US payroll operations
Proven experience in managing end-to-end payroll, audits, and compliance
Hands-on experience handling multi-state US payroll

Knowledge & Skills

Strong knowledge of US payroll laws, employment tax regulations, and compliance requirements
Hands-on experience with payroll systems (ADP, Paycom, or similar)
Expertise in payroll audits, reconciliations, and discrepancy resolution
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
High attention to detail and ability to manage complex payroll scenarios

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in GCC / global payroll environments
Exposure to SOX compliance and audit frameworks
Strong experience in process improvement and automation initiatives

What to Expect

As a Lead – Payroll at Ceres India, you will play a critical role in ensuring payroll accuracy, compliance, and operational excellence across US payroll functions. You will lead governance, audits, and process improvements while supporting a high-impact, fast-paced environment.

You can expect a role that requires precision, ownership, and strong stakeholder collaboration, where success is defined by seamless payroll execution, zero compliance gaps, and continuous process enhancement.

Why Join Ceres

At Ceres, you won't just have a job you'll have a mission. Your work will directly impact how quickly and effectively communities recover after disasters.

We offer:

A collaborative, mission-driven work culture
Opportunities for professional growth and leadership
Exposure to U.S.-based operations and global stakeholders
The opportunity to make a meaningful, lasting difference in disaster recovery efforts