Payroll Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Description

The Payroll Lead is responsible for leading day-to-day in-house payroll operations to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing for a multi-state employee population. This role serves as the subject matter expert for payroll processes, regulations, and systems, and acts as a primary point of escalation for complex payroll issues. The Payroll Lead supports the Project Controller through payroll review, audit readiness, process improvement initiatives, and guidance to payroll team members.

• Office environment
• Occasional travel required for training purposes, including possible overnight travel

Physical Demands:

• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, see, speak, and hear
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, or crouch
• Frequently lifts and/or moves up to 5 pounds
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions

• Lead the end-to-end payroll processing cycle, ensuring accurate calculation and processing of wages, deductions, taxes, and employer liabilities
• Review payroll registers, exception reports, and reconciliations prior to final submission
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations across multiple jurisdictions
• Oversee and complete certified payroll reports in accordance with state and federal requirements (e.g., prevailing wage, Davis-Bacon)

Oversight & Quality Control:

• Perform final review of payroll uploads, adjustments, off-cycle checks, and corrections
• Maintain strong audit trails and payroll documentation for internal and external audits
• Identify root causes of payroll discrepancies and implement corrective actions
• Proactively monitor changes in payroll laws and regulations and recommend procedural updates

Leadership & Collaboration:

• Serve as a lead resource and mentor for Payroll Associates and Operations Teams, providing guidance, training, and support
• Act as a primary payroll contact for employees regarding escalated questions or concerns
• Collaborate cross-functionally with HR, Accounting, Accounts Payable, IT, and Operations to ensure data integrity and process alignment
• Support the Project Controller with payroll balancing, tax payments, filings, and audit preparation

Systems & Process Improvement:

• Maintain and validate payroll system data using checks and balances
• Troubleshoot system issues and partner with IT or vendors on resolution
• Evaluate current payroll processes, identify gaps, and implement improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and compliance
• Assist with payroll system upgrades, testing, and documentation as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma required
• Associate’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
• 4–6 years of progressive payroll experience, including multi-state payroll processing
• Prior experience in a lead, senior, or review-focused payroll role preferred

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• No direct supervisory responsibility
• Provides functional leadership, training, and mentoring to Payroll Associates

• Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations
• Strong understanding of payroll accounting, tax filings, and reconciliations
• Experience processing union payroll preferred
• Experience with Davis-Bacon and certified payroll reporting preferred
• Construction industry payroll experience preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (strong Excel skills required)
• Experience with Vista by Viewpoint and HCSS HeavyJob preferred, but not required
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues and recommend solutions
• Ability to make sound decisions and exercise independent judgment in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to evaluate processes and drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, leadership, vendors, and regulatory agencies
• Willingness and ability to work overtime as needed during payroll cycles and year-end processing

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications 
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage 
• 401K with company match 
• PTO, holidays, and paid winter shutdown 
• Professional development and career growth opportunities