Payroll Specialist - Lead

About the role

Lead payroll operations for a complex multi‑state workforce, managing and mentoring a team of payroll professionals while shaping future processes and best practices. Partner directly with HR, Finance, Benefits, and Operations leadership teams to drive automation, strengthen internal controls, and improve operational efficiency. This high‑impact role offers visibility across the organization and a culture that values employee development and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end payroll processing for hourly and salaried employees across multiple states.
• Ensure compliance with payroll tax regulations, wage‑and‑hour laws, and reporting requirements.
• Oversee payroll audits, reconciliations, year‑end processing, and regulatory filings.
• Manage, coach, and develop a team of two payroll professionals.
• Serve as the subject‑matter expert for payroll systems, reporting, and process administration.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, controls, and data accuracy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field (preferred).
• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including multi‑state payroll administration.
• Experience leading, mentoring, or supervising payroll professionals (preferred).
• Strong knowledge of payroll tax regulations, payroll systems, reporting, and advanced Excel skills.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package.
• 401(k) with profit sharing.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Parental leave.
• Generous paid time off (PTO).

Pay

Salary range: $90,000 to $100,000.

Schedule

Hybrid work schedule: four days onsite and one remote day per week.