Payroll Lead

Aston Carter•Berwyn, IL

3d•$38 - $46•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a highly skilled Payroll Lead to manage end-to-end biweekly multi-state payroll for both exempt and non-exempt employees across multiple entities using Workday. This role offers an exciting opportunity to ensure payroll data accuracy and act as an escalation point for complex payroll issues.

Requirements

5–8 years of progressive payroll experience in a fast-paced, multi-entity environment.
Deep expertise in multi-state payroll processing and a strong command of federal and state compliance, tax regulations, and wage/hour laws.
Hands-on Workday Payroll experience strongly preferred.
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred.
Experience with NetSuite or similar general ledger systems is a plus.
Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the ability to build and interpret payroll reports.
A technology-forward mindset — actively look for ways to automate, improve, and scale payroll processes.
Excellent communication skills to distill complex payroll topics for non-payroll stakeholders.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing competing priorities under tight deadlines.
Experience with tax and compliance matters.
FPC certification is advantageous.
Experience in financial services, specifically fintech, insurance, or investment industries.

Responsibilities

Manage end-to-end biweekly multi-state payroll for exempt and non-exempt employees across multiple entities in Workday.
Ensure payroll data accuracy through auditing, calculating, and maintaining records.
Act as escalation point for complex payroll issues and resolve discrepancies.
Manage year-end processing including W2s, balancing, adjustments, and amendments.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations including wage and hour laws.
Manage payroll tax obligations including registrations, account closures, and tax notice resolution.
Monitor payroll tax law changes and implement updates.
Support external audits and maintain strong internal controls.
Serve as payroll subject matter expert for HR, Finance, and leadership.
Partner on onboarding, offboarding, pay changes, and benefits administration.
Ensure accurate and timely payroll, tax, and benefit funding.
Support system implementations, upgrades, and integrations, especially Workday.
Develop payroll reports and analytics for leadership insights.
Reconcile payroll accounts and support month-end close activities.
Identify and drive automation and process improvements.
Maintain payroll policies, procedures, and documentation for audit readiness.