HRIS & Payroll Operations Manager

HRIS & HR Operations Manager – Dayforce SME with Payroll Experience

Overview We are seeking an experienced and people centered HRIS & HR Operations Manager to lead our HR technology ecosystem and payroll administration functions. This role serves as the enterprise owner for Dayforce, responsible for ensuring the system is optimized, efficient, and leveraged to deliver high value insights across the organization. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with deep Dayforce expertise, proven payroll administration experience, and a passion for developing talent and elevating operational excellence. This leader oversees a team of HRIS administrators and payroll specialists and partners cross functionally to enhance data integrity, streamline processes, and create a seamless employee experience.

Key Responsibilities Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, develop, and mentor a team of HRIS administrators and payroll specialists, fostering a culture of trust, transparency, empowerment, and accountability.
• Set clear priorities, provide ongoing coaching and feedback, and support professional development.
• Promote strong cross functional relationships to align HR operations and analytics with business needs.

Dayforce HRIS Ownership

• Serve as the primary system owner responsible for configuration, maintenance, and optimization across all major Dayforce modules (HCM, Payroll, T&A, Benefits, Workforce Management).
• Manage system release cycles, testing, documentation, and feature adoption to ensure smooth deployments.
• Oversee configuration of workflows, security roles, organizational structures, pay policies, schedules, and system permissions.
• Direct data governance activities including audits, imports/exports, data validation, and monitoring integrations.
• Design and enhance reports, dashboards, and analytics using Dayforce Reporting, Data Views, and Insights to support business decision making.
• Partner with support teams to resolve issues and drive ongoing system improvement.

Payroll Administration Oversight

• Oversee end to end payroll processing within Dayforce to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain payroll configurations—earnings/deductions, tax setup, GL mapping, pay groups, and workflow controls.
• Validate payroll runs, reconcile results, and ensure accurate time and attendance data.
• Collaborate with Finance on accounting, audits, and reconciliation activities.
• Lead year end processes including W 2 production, tax filings, and regulatory reporting.
• Support troubleshooting and resolution of payroll discrepancies.

Cross Functional Partnership & Data Analytics

• Partner with HR, Finance, Benefits, Operations, and business leaders to identify opportunities for process efficiency and translate needs into scalable Dayforce solutions.
• Lead analytics efforts, delivering high quality, actionable insights that support strategic decision making across the enterprise.
• Elevate data storytelling and reporting frameworks to improve transparency and business understanding.
• Develop and deliver training for HR team members, managers, and employees on Dayforce functionality and best practices.
• Support cyclical HR programs such as open enrollment, compensation cycles, workforce planning, and compliance audits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Information Systems, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of HRIS experience, including at least 3 years of hands on Ceridian Dayforce administration.
• 3+ years of payroll administration experience, preferably using Dayforce Payroll.
• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, tax compliance, and multi state payroll practices.
• Experience with multiple Dayforce modules (e.g., Payroll, T&A, Benefits, Recruiting, Performance, Compensation).
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills; ability to develop complex reports and troubleshoot system issues.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for non technical audiences.
• High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy and confidentiality.

Preferred Skills

• Demonstrated leadership experience centered on trust, transparency, empowerment, and accountability.
• Experience with Dayforce implementations, module rollouts, or major system upgrades.
• Familiarity with Dayforce integrations (API, SFTP, vendor interfaces).
• Professional certifications such as Ceridian Dayforce HCM Certifications, CPP, SHRM CP/SCP, or PHR/SPHR.

Originally posted on Himalayas