Payroll Manager in Houston

Join Our Global Team

Gravity Global is the world’s most awarded marketing consultancy specialising in brands operating in complex markets. Led by strategy, innovation, technology, data, and creativity, we create brand-and-demand marketing programmes that drive transformational growth for our clients. With 14 wholly owned offices across the US, Europe and APAC, and our Global Talent Hubs in emerging markets, you can build a truly global career in a rapidly scaling organisation that’s shaping the future of marketing.

At Gravity Global, we believe our people are our greatest strength. We’re a collective of creative thinkers, strategic storytellers, and data-driven innovators united by one mission – to deliver exceptional work that makes an impact. We’re growing fast – across continents and disciplines – and we’re looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference: for our clients, our teams, and the world around us.

About the role

The Payroll Manager (US) exists to oversee and manage the end-to-end payroll process for employees across the United States. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations across multiple states, while serving as a subject matter expert on payroll regulations and best practices. The Payroll Manager (US) will leverage ADP Workforce Now as the primary payroll system and collaborate closely with HR, Finance, and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full-cycle payroll process for U.S. employees, including data collection, processing, validation, and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations, including tax filings, wage and hour requirements, and reporting obligations.
• Oversee multi-state payroll compliance, staying current on regulatory changes and proactively implementing updates as needed.
• Serve as the primary administrator and subject matter expert for ADP Workforce Now, including configuration, troubleshooting, and process optimization.
• Partner with HR and Finance teams to ensure accurate employee data, benefit deductions, 401(k) contributions, and general ledger alignment.
• Manage payroll audits, reconciliations, and year-end processes (e.g., W-2s, state filings).
• Develop, document, and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries and resolve discrepancies in a timely and professional manner.
• Support payroll-related projects, system enhancements, and process improvements.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• 5+ years of experience managing a payroll process from start to finish.
• Proven experience managing payroll compliance across multiple U.S. states, including California.
• Hands-on experience utilizing ADP Workforce Now.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements.
• High attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and integrity.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally.

What We Offer

• Competitive Reward & Pay – we recognise and value your contribution with fair and competitive rewards aligned to local market practices, designed to celebrate excellence and support long-term success.
• Career Growth & Development – we believe development is ongoing, not annual. Through our Continuous Performance Management (CPM) process, which includes regular feedback and coaching, we help you refine your skills, celebrate your achievements, and plan for future success enabling you to reach your full potential.
• Collaboration – be part of a cross-functional, global team that values sharing insights, ideas, and best practices to drive collective success.
• Professional Development – we invest in you through ongoing training and learning programmes designed to expand your expertise and confidence.
• Work-Life Balance – while we expect dedication to client success, we also value your wellbeing, offering flexible working arrangements and plentiful paid time off.
• Community & Recognition – we celebrate our people through social and team-building events, recognise length of service and life milestones, and appreciate individual contributions through our Gravity Gratitude ‘kudos’ recognition programme.
• Family Support – we understand family matters and our people benefit from family-friendly policies such as parental leave, and access to wellbeing resources to help you balance work and family life.
• Purpose & Belonging – we are committed to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, fostering a workplace where positive impact matters. Our people are encouraged to get involved in employee resource groups that champion wellbeing, sustainability and culture.

Important Disclosure: At Gravity Global, we believe in recognising every team member’s contribution. Your total rewards package – including salary and benefits – will align with country specific labor laws and our company policies. We’ll walk you through all the details during the offer stage.

Gravity Global is an equal opportunities employer and we do not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, age, sexuality, disability and other protected status as required by applicable law. If your experience doesn't align perfectly with the job criteria, but you meet some of the criteria and are excited about the role and Gravity, please don't be put off applying! We would encourage you to apply for the role as you may be just the right person for this role or other roles.