Payroll Lead

Job Description

The Lead Payroll (remote in Eastern Standard Time or Central Standard Time) is responsible for executing end-to-end U.S. and Canada payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and full compliance with all federal, state, provincial and local regulations. This role acts as a subject matter expert in U.S. and Canadian payroll, supports continuous process improvements, and leads payroll-related special projects. The position partners closely with HR, Finance, and external vendors to deliver seamless payroll operations.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities - Payroll Processing & Execution

• Execute full-cycle U.S. payroll processing (multi-state) and Canada (multi province) with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Process and validate payroll inputs including new hires, terminations, salary adjustments, bonuses, commissions, and deductions.
• Ensure accurate calculation and application of federal, state, provincial and local taxes, benefits, and garnishments.
• Perform detailed payroll audits, reconciliations, and variance analysis to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Execute payroll cycles, including regular and off-cycle payments, ensuring all deadlines are consistently met.

Key Responsibilities - U.S. and Canada Payroll Compliance

• Ensure strict compliance with all U.S. and Canadian payroll laws and regulations, including federal, state, provincial and local requirements.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of U.S. and Canadian payroll legislation, including wage and hour laws, tax updates, and reporting requirements.
• Prepare and support payroll tax filings and year-end processes (e.g., W-2s, T-4s).
• Support internal and external audits by providing complete, accurate payroll documentation.
• Ensure confidentiality and proper handling of employee payroll data in line with privacy regulations and internal controls.

Key Responsibilities - Special Projects & Process Improvement

• Lead and execute payroll-related special projects, including system implementations, upgrades, and integrations.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve payroll processes, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Support organizational changes such as mergers, acquisitions, or expansion into new U.S. states or provinces from a payroll perspective.
• Develop and maintain payroll procedures, documentation, and internal controls.

Key Responsibilities - Stakeholder Support & Problem Resolution

• Act as the escalation point for complex U.S. and Canadian payroll issues and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Partner with HR, Finance, Benefits, and IT to ensure alignment and accuracy of payroll data.
• Provide guidance and support to team members and stakeholders on U.S. and Canadian payroll practices and requirements.
• #LI-SV1

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5-8+ years of hands-on payroll experience with a strong focus on U.S. payroll processing.
• Demonstrated expertise in multi-state U.S. payroll compliance and regulations.
• Experience processing payroll using systems such as ADP, Workday, Ceridian, or similar platforms.
• Strong analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Must be able to travel to Ann Arbor headquarters occasionally.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation.
• Experience with Workday
• Experience with Canadian payroll
• Experience supporting payroll system implementations or transformations.
• Knowledge of SOX compliance and payroll controls.
• Experience in a complex, high-volume payroll environment.

Key Competencies

• Strong execution and ownership mindset
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Process improvement focus
• Effective communication and collaboration

Salary Range: $100k-$115k


The total pay range reflects a wide range of factors we consider in compensation decisions, including skills, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business organizational needs. The disclosed pay range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential for the location where the position may be filled. At NSF, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the pay range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

About Us

With a legacy spanning more than 80 years, NSF leverages science and innovation to improve human and planet health. We provide science-driven, independent testing, inspection, certification, and advisory services and develop the very standards that drive the food, water, and life sciences industries worldwide. We empower our clients to navigate shifting regulations to improve consumer health, safety, and quality of life.

One of our core values is We Are One NSF. This means that while we're one team, we embrace the cultural, ethnic, language, and demographic diversity that reflects the societies in which we live and work.

Come join a team that makes a difference in the world. More information about NSF can be found at nsf.org.

NSF is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Please note that NSF is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies/search firms for this role. Resumes submitted to an NSF employee by a third-party agency without a valid written & signed search agreement between NSF and said third-party agency will become the sole property of NSF. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.

About the Team

We are committed to attracting and retaining world class talent at NSF. We enable team members to Grow, Perform, Lead and Navigate their careers at NSF.