Payroll Team Lead

Payroll Team Lead

Pepper Pike, OH 44124

Industry: Accounting Job Number:  Pay Rate: $55000-$70000 / year

Position Summary:

The Payroll Team Lead will oversee and guide an internal payroll processing team, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll services across a diverse client base. This role requires strong leadership, a client-focused mindset, and deep expertise in payroll operations. The ideal candidate will drive process improvements, maintain regulatory compliance, and ensure a high level of client satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities:

• Payroll Oversight & Accounting:
  Supervise and support the processing of payroll for multiple clients across various industries. Review and validate payroll data, including earnings, deductions, taxes, benefits, and adjustments. Identify, investigate, and resolve discrepancies in payroll reports and records. Reconcile payroll-related and garnishment general ledger accounts. Prepare and distribute payroll summaries and reporting to clients. Ensure accurate documentation and adherence to client-specific payroll procedures.
• Process Improvement, Compliance & Accuracy:
  Evaluate and enhance payroll workflows to improve efficiency and reduce errors. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations. Stay current on regulatory changes and implement updates as needed. Partner with internal teams and clients to streamline processes and resolve issues. Recommend and support system enhancements to optimize payroll operations. Assist with year-end processing, including W-2s, 1099s, and related reconciliations.
• Team Leadership & Development:
  Lead, mentor, and develop payroll team members in a collaborative environment. Assign responsibilities, monitor performance, and provide ongoing feedback. Train team members on payroll systems, processes, and compliance updates. Foster accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement within the team. Provide hands-on support to ensure operational continuity and team success.
• Client Support & Relationship Management:
  Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring high satisfaction levels. Serve as the primary point of contact for escalated payroll-related inquiries. Communicate updates, deadlines, and regulatory changes proactively. Support client onboarding and transitions in collaboration with implementation teams. Advise clients on payroll processes, compliance requirements, and system utilization.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma required;
  Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field preferred.
• 10+ years of payroll experience, including 1–2 years in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
• Strong knowledge of payroll tax laws, regulations, and compliance standards.
• Experience with multi-state payroll processing.
• Proficiency with payroll systems (e.g., ADP, Paychex) and Microsoft Excel.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• High level of integrity and commitment to confidentiality.

The Payroll Team Lead is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the payroll function, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This role leads and develops a team of payroll professionals, provides guidance on complex payroll issues, and collaborates with Human Resources, Finance, and other business stakeholders to support organizational objectives.

Position Details:

• Onsite position
• Direct Hire Opportunity
• Salary: $55,000-$70,000

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, coach, and develop payroll team members to ensure high performance and continuous improvement.
• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for employees across multiple pay groups, locations, or entities.
• Review and approve payroll calculations, deductions, taxes, garnishments, bonuses, commissions, and other earnings.
• Ensure payroll is processed accurately, timely, and in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Monitor and reconcile payroll-related accounts, reports, and general ledger transactions.
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies, employee inquiries, and complex payroll issues.
• Maintain payroll records and ensure data integrity within payroll and HR systems.
• Coordinate payroll activities related to employee onboarding, terminations, leaves of absence, and organizational changes.
• Partner with HR, Benefits, Finance, and external vendors to support payroll and compliance requirements.
• Prepare payroll reports, metrics, audits, and documentation for management and regulatory agencies.
• Identify process improvements and implement best practices to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and employee experience.
• Stay current on payroll legislation, tax regulations, and industry trends.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in…