Payroll Lead

Overview

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

Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Execution

• Execute full-cycle payroll processing for multi-state U.S. and multi-province Canadian payrolls with high accuracy.
• Process and validate payroll inputs including new hires, terminations, salary adjustments, bonuses, commissions, and deductions.
• Ensure correct calculation and application of federal, state, provincial, and local taxes, benefits, and garnishments.
• Perform detailed payroll audits, reconciliations, and variance analyses to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Manage payroll cycles, including regular and off-cycle payments, consistently meeting all deadlines.

U.S. and Canada Payroll Compliance

• Ensure strict compliance with all payroll laws and regulations across the U.S. and Canada.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of payroll legislation, including wage and hour laws, tax updates, and reporting requirements.
• Prepare and support payroll tax filings and year-end processes such as W-2s and T-4s.
• Support internal and external audits by providing complete and accurate payroll documentation.
• Maintain confidentiality and proper handling of employee payroll data in accordance with privacy regulations and internal controls.

Special Projects & Process Improvement

• Lead 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 Canadian provinces from a payroll perspective.
• Develop and maintain payroll procedures, documentation, and internal controls.

Stakeholder Support & Problem Resolution

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

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5 to 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 with payroll systems such as ADP, Workday, Ceridian, or similar platforms.
• Strong analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to travel occasionally to the Ann Arbor headquarters.

Preferred

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation.
• Experience with Workday payroll system.
• Experience with Canadian payroll processing.
• 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.
• Focus on process improvement.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $100,000 to $115,000 annually.
• Compensation decisions consider skills, experience, training, licensure, certifications, and organizational needs.
• The disclosed pay range has not been adjusted for geographic differentials.
• It is uncommon to be hired at or near the top of the pay range; compensation depends on individual circumstances.

Location

• Remote position requiring work during Eastern Standard Time or Central Standard Time hours.
• Occasional travel to Ann Arbor headquarters is required.