Payroll Lead, NA

Wasserman • Raleigh, NC

5d

About The Position

The Payroll Lead, NA, is responsible for day-to-day execution and operational control of U.S. and Canadian payroll. This hands-on role leads two Payroll Specialists, ensures payroll is processed accurately and on time, and serves as the operational payroll resource for routine and complex payroll matters. The Payroll Lead partners closely with the Payroll Manager, NA, and the Workday Analyst, Payroll, to strengthen controls, resolve issues, improve processes, and support payroll system changes. The role independently manages daily payroll operations while escalating material compliance, policy, or strategic matters to the Payroll Manager.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of progressive payroll experience, including hands-on responsibility for complex or high-volume U.S. payroll operations.
• Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll, wage and hour requirements, payroll taxation, deductions, garnishments, reconciliations, and quarter- and year-end processing.
• Strong analytical and reconciliation skills, sound judgment, and ability to independently investigate and resolve payroll issues.
• Strong Excel skills and comfort working with payroll reports, data validation, and large data sets.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively across Payroll, HR, Finance, Benefits, and external vendors.

Nice To Haves

• Workday Payroll experience is strongly preferred.
• Canadian payroll experience is preferred; experience supporting employees across multiple provinces is a plus.
• Prior experience as a senior payroll processor is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end U.S. and Canadian payroll operations, including payroll calendars, inputs, validations, approvals, funding coordination, off-cycle payrolls, and post-payroll activities.
• Guide two Payroll Specialists by reviewing their work, coaching them, and ensuring cross-training and process coverage.
• Perform and oversee payroll audits and reconciliations, investigate variances, and verify gross-to-net results, deductions, taxes, and payroll-related data before payroll is finalized.
• Serve as the first escalation point for complex payroll matters, including retroactive pay, terminations, multi-state or cross-border questions, taxable earnings, garnishments, and payroll corrections.
• Coordinate quarter-end and year-end payroll activities, including tax balancing, employee tax forms, adjustments, and issue resolution with internal partners and payroll vendors.
• Maintain payroll controls, process documentation, and operating procedures, and support compliance with applicable federal, state, provincial, and local payroll requirements.
• Partner with the Workday Analyst, Payroll, on system defects, configuration changes, testing, integrations, releases, reporting, and automation opportunities affecting payroll operations.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, Benefits, and other stakeholders to resolve payroll matters and communicate payroll impacts and required actions.
• Identify recurring issues and process gaps, recommend improvements, and help standardize and simplify payroll operations while maintaining controls and compliance.
• Provide operational coverage during absences so payroll can continue without reliance on a single individual or undocumented process.

Benefits

• Professional development, learning and development programs, mentorship opportunities, and career advancement support.
• Generous paid time off and holiday allowances.
• Paid parental leave.
• 401(k) plan with contribution matching.
• Medical, dental, vision, FSA/HSA, life, and disability coverage options.
• Critical illness coverage, identity protection, pet insurance, 529 plans, and other ancillary offerings.
• Commuter benefits, where available.
• Potential bonus, if applicable for the role.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed