Payroll Lead

Who We Are

At Freshpet, our goal is to change the way people nourish their pets forever. We strive to strengthen the bond between people and our pets so that we both live longer, healthier, and happier lives while being kind to the planet. We believe that if we can create fresh, real foods that pets love and help them live healthier lives, that their pet parents will also enjoy the many benefits of a rich life shared with a pet.

IT’S AMAZING WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN YOU START COMPLETELY FRESH!

The Payroll Lead will oversee all aspects of the company’s payroll function, ensuring accurate and timely processing, compliance with federal/state/local wage & hour and tax regulations, and continuous improvement of payroll systems and processes. The individual will act as the subject‑matter expert for payroll, partner with HR, Finance and external vendors, and lead the payroll team to deliver high quality, efficient service.

• Manage end-to-end payroll for all employees (USA, UK, Ireland, Canada).
• Supervise and develop payroll team members: provide training, set objectives, review performance, and promote team efficiency.
• Ensure payroll inputs (timesheets, attendance, bonuses, commissions, deductions, benefits, garnishments) are captured correctly, reconcile variances, and resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local laws/regulations (FLSA, minimum wage, overtime, tax withholding, reporting, etc.), including multi‑state and remote employee considerations.
• Coordinate with HR for new hires, terminations, leaves of absence, benefit changes, and ensure systems reflect accurate payroll status.
• Manage payroll tax filings, payments, remittances, and reporting, work with external tax/filing vendors (Dayforce).
• Prepare management and audit reports: payroll summaries, cost analyses, accruals, projections.
• Drive process improvement: evaluate payroll software (Dayforce), automation opportunities, month/quarter/year‑end close processes, internal controls.
• Act as escalation point for complex payroll issues (e.g., wage litigation, international assignments, large‑scale terminations).
• Support audit preparedness: maintain documentation, support internal/external audits, ensure segregation of duties.
• Stay current with payroll technology trends and legislative changes; recommend system upgrades or policy enhancements.

• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience (including multi‑state, international payroll) with at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead role.
• Hands‑on experience with payroll system (Dayforce/Ceridian) and time/attendance systems.
• Strong knowledge of payroll tax rules, wage/hour laws, compliance, garnishments, benefits integration.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, communication and leadership skills.
• High integrity, confidentiality, attention to detail, ability to work under deadlines and manage multiple priorities.

• Professional certification (e.g., Certified Payroll Professional – CPP).
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field
• Experience in a growth/fast‑paced environment.

• Office environment (with potential for hybrid work depending on company policy).
• Occasional extended hours around pay cycle close, audits, or special projects.
• Collaborative role interacting with HR, Finance, IT, external vendors.

At Freshpet, we offer a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance, basic and optional life insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability protection, flexible spending accounts, and a 401(k) plan with company match, paid parental leave, pet insurance, tuition assistance, a generous PTO plan and so much more!

Freshpet is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are made without regards to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic…