Payroll Lead

The Payroll Lead is responsible for overseeing the accurate and timely processing of payroll and serves as the primary functional resource for the Payroll team. This role is the first point of contact for Payroll Specialists, providing day-to-day guidance, answering questions, reviewing work, and helping resolve complex payroll issues.

The Payroll Lead is a functional lead and subject-matter expert, not a people manager. The position does not have direct supervisory responsibility or formal performance-management authority over Payroll Specialists. The Payroll Lead works closely with the Payroll Manager to support daily operations, maintain payroll controls, improve processes, and ensure a high level of service.

The Payroll Lead also serves as the designated backup to the Payroll Manager, providing operational continuity and assuming appropriate payroll responsibilities during the Payroll Manager’s absence, as well as collaborating with the Payroll Manager on special projects. This includes helping coordinate payroll activities, addressing escalated issues, and serving as a point of contact for internal stakeholders when needed.

• Lead and oversee day-to-day payroll processing activities, ensuring payroll is accurate and completed according to established deadlines.
• Serve as the first point of contact for Payroll Specialists regarding payroll processing questions, exceptions, and complex issues, review work performed by Payroll Specialists for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established procedures.
• Help coordinate daily workflow and priorities within the Payroll team in partnership with the Payroll Manager, including coverage of payroll processing on an as needed basis.
• Troubleshoot complex payroll issues and determine appropriate resolutions or when issues should be escalated to the Payroll Manager.
• Support the Payroll Manager in ensuring consistent application of payroll policies, procedures, and controls.
• Serve as the primary operational backup to the Payroll Manager during planned or unplanned absences.
• Assist the Payroll Manager with special projects, process improvements, audits, system initiatives, and other departmental priorities.
• Support payroll tax filings, payments, reconciliations, and year-end reporting, including W-2s and other required forms.
• Maintain strong payroll controls and identify potential compliance or process risks.
• Support internal and external payroll audits and provide required documentation.
• Assist with escalated employee payroll inquiries and work to ensure timely resolution.
• Assist with maintenance of payroll procedures, documentation, and standard operating processes.
• Partner with the Payroll Manager to evaluate and implement process improvements.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including experience serving as a senior payroll resource, lead, or subject-matter expert.

• Strong knowledge of U.S. federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
• Experience processing multi-state payroll.
• Strong understanding of payroll tax, wage-and-hour requirements, deductions, garnishments, and year-end processes.
• Experience with payroll systems such as ADP, Workday, UKG, Paylocity, Dayforce, or similar platforms.
• Strong Excel skills and the ability to analyze and reconcile large data sets.
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to independently manage payroll responsibilities and make sound decisions within established policies and procedures.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and customer-service skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict payroll deadlines.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally (e.g., files, office supplies)
• Travel less than 10%

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow…