Payroll Lead

Payroll Lead

Location: Poughkeepsie, NY - 100% in-office
Compensation: $70-80k

Position Summary

The Payroll Lead is responsible for managing end-to-end payroll operations for a large, multi-state workforce. This role ensures accurate and compliant payroll processing across union and non-union employee populations, partners closely with HR and Accounting, and drives process improvements through documentation, workflow optimization, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end payroll processing for 3,500+ multi-state employees across bi-weekly pay cycles, supporting both union and non-union populations.
• Oversee payroll calculations, validations, and audits to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Manage payroll calculations and remittances for 8+ union agreements , including maintaining and updating union-related payroll files and processes.
• Calculate and remit bi-weekly and quarterly payroll taxes through ADP Workforce ; manage 403(b) retirement plan remittances and Concur payroll file integrations .
• Utilize and maintain the UKG Kronos HRIS platform for payroll processing, timekeeping, and workforce management.
• Partner with timekeepers to manage employee timecards; provide troubleshooting and support within UKG Kronos and Infor Lawson systems.
• Develop, streamline, and document payroll workflows, including detailed analysis of file paths, to improve efficiency, accuracy, and team productivity.
• Collaborate closely with HR and Accounting to design and implement payroll-related process improvements, controls, and reporting solutions.
• Lead cross-functional payroll initiatives, delivering insights and enhancements to payroll operations, reporting, and compliance readiness.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading payroll operations for a large, multi-state employee population .
• Strong knowledge of union payroll requirements , tax compliance, and remittance processes.
• Hands-on experience with ADP Workforce , UKG Kronos , and Infor Lawson (or similar payroll/HRIS systems).
• Demonstrated ability to improve payroll processes through documentation, workflow optimization, and cross-functional collaboration.
• High attention to detail with strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.