Lead Payroll Specialist

The Opportunity

The Lead Payroll Specialist is responsible for ensuring accurate and compliant payroll processing for multi-state and international payroll operations, while providing advanced subject matter expertise across all areas of payroll. This style leads complex payroll activities, including reconciliations, audits, and cross-functional initiatives, and partners closely with Accounting, HR, and business leaders to strengthen payroll processes and controls.

The Lead Payroll Specialist plays a key role in driving process improvements, supporting strategic initiatives, and mentoring team members. Due to the nature of the position, this role requires a high level of discretion and the ability to handle confidential information appropriately.

• Owns the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of end-to-end payroll operations, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and applicable international regulations.
• Serves as a subject matter expert in payroll processes, tax regulations, and systems; provides guidance on complex issues and influences resolution strategies.
• Leads payroll reconciliations and audits, including variance identification, root cause analysis, and implementation of sustainable controls in partnership with Accounting.
• Takes ownership of payroll tax filings and compliance activities, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and mitigating organizational risk.
• Leads cross-functional payroll initiatives and process improvements, identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, scalability, and system effectiveness.
• Anticipates and assesses the impact of system, policy, or organizational changes; proactively prepares payroll processes, controls, and team readiness.
• Develops and delivers payroll reporting, insights, and analysis to support decision-making for management, employees, and external stakeholders.
• Collaborates with internal teams and external partners to resolve complex payroll issues and drive continuous improvement.
• Provides informal leadership through training, mentoring, and guidance to payroll team members; supports knowledge sharing and skill development.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation required.
• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including ownership of complex payroll operations in multi-state and/or international environments.
• Advanced expertise in payroll processing, payroll taxes, and applicable federal, state, and international regulations.
• Strong understanding of multi-jurisdictional payroll practices, including exposure to international payroll models (e.g., EOR, third-party providers).
• Advanced proficiency in payroll and business systems, including UKG (Ulti Pro), Microsoft Dynamics 365, and Microsoft Office applications (with strong emphasis on Excel).
• Demonstrated ability to leverage systems and tools to drive efficiency, reporting, and process improvements.
• Proven ability to lead payroll reconciliations, audits, and complex issue resolution, including root cause analysis and implementation of sustainable solutions.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and provide actionable insights.
• High level of attention to detail, judgment, and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Demonstrates openness to innovation by embracing and applying evolving technology and AI tools to enhance workflows, solve problems, and drive continuous improvement.
• Must have authorization to work permanently in the U.S.

Ulteig is a purpose-driven organization that has built a culture focused on people, both our clients and our employees, for over 80 years. Working at Ulteig is more than a job, opening opportunities to make an impact by creating and solving for a sustainable future. We recognize our success relies heavily on the dedication and focus of our workforce; this is why we make investing in our employees a top priority.

We prioritize flexibility and staying connected to meeting your needs and help you…