Payroll Manager

At Tend, how we pay our people is one of the most tangible ways we build trust. The Payroll Manager owns the end-to-end payroll experience for a complex, multi-state healthcare workforce that includes clinical teams, corporate employees, and contractors. This role blends deep payroll expertise with operational excellence and cross-functional partnership to ensure every team member is paid accurately, compliantly, and on time — while helping Tend scale responsibly as we grow.

This position is hybrid if Nashville-based (Tuesdays and Wednesday in office) or remote if based outside of Nashville. Candidates must be based in central or east coast time zones.

What You'll Do

Payroll Operations & Processing

• Own and execute bi-weekly payroll for a multi-state, multi-entity healthcare workforce across clinical studios and corporate teams.
• Ensure accurate processing for hourly, salaried, and contractor populations, including multiple pay cycles, rates, and premium structures.
• Manage complex pay components including shift differentials, clinical premiums, overtime, blended rates, state-specific rules, and retroactive adjustments.
• Oversee payroll inputs including time and attendance, PTO, leaves of absence, bonuses, commissions, and off-cycle payments.
• Process and reconcile 401(k) and other benefit-related payroll deductions, including employee contributions, employer matches, and loan repayments.

Compliance, Tax & Regulatory Management

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage-and-hour laws, with particular attention to healthcare and state-specific requirements.
• Manage payroll tax setup, filings, deposits, reconciliations, and agency notices in partnership with payroll vendors.
• Own year-end processes including W-2s, 1099s, and all required state and federal reporting.

Audits, Controls & Financial Integrity

• Conduct payroll audits, reconciliations, and internal controls to ensure accuracy, compliance, and financial integrity.
• Partner with Finance on payroll accruals, general ledger alignment, and labor reporting for clinical and corporate teams.

Systems, Tools & Process Improvement

• Serve as system owner for payroll and timekeeping platforms, ensuring pay rules, premiums, and state requirements are correctly configured.
• Lead continuous improvement of payroll processes, documentation, and controls to support scale and a strong team member experience.

Cross-Functional Partnership & Support

• Act as a trusted partner to People, Finance, Legal, and Studio leaders on complex payroll and pay practice questions.

Who You Are

Tend Values

• Tend to Others: You deliver accurate, timely payroll outcomes that build trust with every team member and protect financial integrity.
• Embrace Our Differences: You respect the needs of a diverse, multi-state workforce and adapt payroll solutions to meet different roles, markets, and situations.
• Be Brave Enough to Lead: You raise risks, address errors, and push for better systems and controls — even when it's uncomfortable or complex.
• Savor the Ride: You bring calm, clarity, and positive energy to high-volume payroll cycles and help others feel supported through change.
• Rooted in Growth: You seek feedback, learn from mistakes, and continuously improve how you operate and lead.

Role-Based Competencies

• Make It Right Every Time: Own payroll outcomes end-to-end with accountability for accuracy and compliance.
• Build Smart Systems: Design and improve payroll processes that scale while reducing risk and manual effort.
• Make It Make Sense: Explain complex payroll and compliance topics clearly and empathetically.

What You Have

• 7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including ownership of multi-state, multi-unit payroll in healthcare or similarly complex environments.
• Experience supporting hourly, salaried, and contractor populations, including clinical teams with shift-based scheduling and premium pay.
• Strong knowledge of payroll tax compliance, wage-and-hour laws, and healthcare-specific pay practices.
• Experience managing payroll audits, tax notices, garnishments, and regulatory inquiries.
• Experience administering 401(k) and other benefit-related payroll deductions.
• Advanced experience with payroll and timekeeping systems (UKG preferred; ADP, Workday, or similar platforms).
• Strong Excel and reporting skills for audits, reconciliations, and leadership reporting.
• Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, high-volume environments.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to build trust across People, Finance, Legal, and Studio teams.

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus a Dental Wellness Program.
• 401(k) plan.
• Life & AD&D insurance, health advocacy, legal support, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and pre-tax transit/parking benefits.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and company holidays.
• Annual bonus based on company and individual performance.

Pay Range: $95,000—$125,000 USD