Payroll Lead

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Accurately calculate and apply 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

About the Role

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.