Payroll Lead

Freshpet, Inc. • Bedminster, NJ

42d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Payroll Lead will oversee all aspects of the company's payroll function, ensuring accurate and timely processing, compliance with federal/state/local wage & hour and tax regulations, and continuous improvement of payroll systems and processes. The individual will act as the subject‐matter expert for payroll, partner with HR, Finance and external vendors, and lead the payroll team to deliver high quality, efficient service.

Requirements

• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience (including multi‐state, international payroll) with at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead role.
• Hands‐on experience with payroll system (Dayforce/Ceridian) and time/attendance systems.
• Strong knowledge of payroll tax rules, wage/hour laws, compliance, garnishments, benefits integration.
• Excellent analytical, problem‐solving, communication and leadership skills.
• High integrity, confidentiality, attention to detail, ability to work under deadlines and manage multiple priorities.

Nice To Haves

• Professional certification (e.g., Certified Payroll Professional - CPP).
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field
• Experience in a growth/fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll for all employees (USA, UK, Ireland, Canada).
• Supervise and develop payroll team members: provide training, set objectives, review performance, and promote team efficiency.
• Ensure payroll inputs (timesheets, attendance, bonuses, commissions, deductions, benefits, garnishments) are captured correctly, reconcile variances, and resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local laws/regulations (FLSA, minimum wage, overtime, tax withholding, reporting, etc.), including multi-state and remote employee considerations.
• Coordinate with HR for new hires, terminations, leaves of absence, benefit changes, and ensure systems reflect accurate payroll status.
• Manage payroll tax filings, payments, remittances, and reporting, work with external tax/filing vendors (Dayforce).
• Prepare management and audit reports: payroll summaries, cost analyses, accruals, projections.
• Drive process improvement: evaluate payroll software (Dayforce), automation opportunities, month/quarter/year‐end close processes, internal controls.
• Act as escalation point for complex payroll issues (e.g., wage litigation, international assignments, large-scale terminations).
• Support audit preparedness: maintain documentation, support internal/external audits, ensure segregation of duties.
• Stay current with payroll technology trends and legislative changes; recommend system upgrades or policy enhancements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Food Manufacturing
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees