Lead Payroll Specialist

Lead Payroll Specialist

We are partnering with a growing organization looking for an experienced Lead Payroll Specialist to take ownership of payroll processing for approximately 550 employees across four regions.

This is an excellent opportunity for a payroll professional who enjoys being the go-to resource for payroll, takes pride in accuracy, and is comfortable managing a high-volume weekly payroll. The Lead Payroll Specialist will work closely with HR, Accounting, and Operations while handling payroll processing, compliance, reporting, and problem-solving.

If you're looking for a senior-level payroll role where you can take ownership of the process without managing a team, this could be a great next step.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Competitive salary of $85,000$90,000
• Take ownership of an established payroll process
• High-visibility position with the opportunity to make an immediate impact
• Partner closely with HR, Accounting, and Operations
• Opportunity to identify and implement payroll process improvements
• Stable, growing organization with a comprehensive benefits package

What You'll Do

As the Lead Payroll Specialist, you will:

• Own weekly payroll processing for approximately 550 employees across four regions
• Import, review, and validate employee timekeeping data
• Audit earnings, deductions, benefits, classifications, and payroll information for accuracy
• Administer prevailing wage and certified payroll requirements
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee payroll questions
• Maintain accurate payroll records, reports, and supporting documentation
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll and wage regulations
• Partner with HR, Accounting, and Operations to ensure employee and payroll information is accurate
• Identify opportunities to streamline payroll processes and improve efficiencies
• Serve as a trusted internal resource for payroll-related questions and compliance

What We're Looking For

The ideal Lead Payroll Specialist will have:

• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience
• Experience processing payroll for a mid-to-large employee population
• Knowledge of prevailing wage and/or certified payroll
• Strong understanding of payroll compliance, wage regulations, deductions, and reporting
• Experience working with payroll and timekeeping systems
• Strong Excel skills
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities and consistently meet payroll deadlines
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills

Construction, contracting, or project-based payroll experience is a plus.

Systems & Technology

The Lead Payroll Specialist will work across multiple payroll and timekeeping systems. Experience with ADP, Spectrum, HCSS HeavyJob, or similar systems is preferred, but candidates do not need experience with every platform listed.

Who Will Thrive in This Role?

You may be a great fit if you're currently a Senior Payroll Specialist, Payroll Lead, Payroll Administrator, or experienced payroll professional who is ready for greater ownership.

The successful Lead Payroll Specialist will be someone who can work independently, troubleshoot payroll issues, maintain accuracy under tight deadlines, and confidently serve as a payroll subject matter expert.

If you're an experienced payroll professional looking for more ownership, visibility, and the opportunity to make an impact within a growing organization, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today to learn more about the Lead Payroll Specialist opportunity.

Creative Financial Staffing