Payroll Lead, North America

Wella

23h•$150,000 - $170,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Payroll Leader – North America is accountable for the end-to-end delivery of accurate, timely, and compliant payroll services across the US and Canada, covering Payroll, Time & Attendance, and Benefits Administration. As a key member of the Global People Support Center, this role ensures operational excellence, robust internal controls, and superior employee experience, while leading and developing a high-performing team of specialists. The role also carries direct responsibility for Executive Payroll, requiring the highest standards of accuracy, confidentiality, and discretion.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
Professional payroll certification strongly preferred: CPP (Certified Payroll Professional – APA) and/or PCP/PLP (National Payroll Institute – Canada).
15+ years of progressive payroll experience, including 8+ years leading payroll operations in North America (US and Canada).
Proven expertise in multi-state US payroll and multi-province Canadian payroll, including Québec specificities.
Deep, hands-on experience with ADP GlobalView and ADP Celergo (required).
Strong knowledge of US and Canadian tax, social security, employment, and wage & hour legislation.
Demonstrated experience managing Executive Payroll, including complex compensation, equity, and confidential arrangements.
Experience in a global shared services / People Support Center environment preferred.
Proven track record of leading, developing, and elevating high-performing teams.
Experience managing internal/external audits and SOX controls.

Nice To Haves

Professional payroll certification strongly preferred: CPP (Certified Payroll Professional – APA) and/or PCP/PLP (National Payroll Institute – Canada).
Experience in a global shared services / People Support Center environment preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the end-to-end payroll process for all US (multi-state) and Canadian (multi-province) employees, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll cycles.
Oversee payroll processing through ADP GlobalView and ADP Celergo, including system configuration, data integrity, vendor management, and continuous process optimization.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, provincial, and local tax and social security regulations, including IRS, SSA, CRA, Revenu Québec, and state/provincial labor and tax authorities.
Manage year-end processes (W-2, T4, RL-1, 1099, ACA reporting, etc.), audits, reconciliations, and statutory filings.
Lead Executive Payroll with the highest level of attention, confidentiality, and effectiveness, including handling of equity, deferred compensation, expatriate, and complex compensation arrangements.
Partner with Finance on GL reconciliations, payroll accounting, accruals, and audit support (internal and external).
Maintain and continuously improve internal controls (SOX compliance), documented SOPs, and risk mitigation frameworks.
Oversee accurate administration of time and attendance processes across US and Canada, ensuring proper integration with payroll systems.
Ensure compliance with wage & hour laws, overtime regulations (FLSA, provincial Employment Standards Acts), and collective agreements where applicable.
Drive process improvements and system enhancements to elevate accuracy and employee experience.
Oversee benefits administration operations (health, retirement, leave programs, statutory benefits) in partnership with Total Rewards and external vendors.
Ensure accurate benefits-related payroll deductions, contributions, and reporting (e.g., 401(k), RRSP, FSA/HSA, garnishments).
Support open enrollment, qualifying life events, and benefits compliance (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, provincial health programs).
Serve as the subject matter expert on US (multi-state) and Canadian (multi-province) payroll, tax, and social security compliance.
Monitor and interpret legislative changes across all jurisdictions, ensuring proactive implementation of required updates.
Partner with Legal, Tax, and Compliance teams on employment, tax, garnishment, mobility, and cross-border payroll matters.
Manage payroll-related audits, regulatory filings, and inquiries from tax and labor authorities.
Lead, coach, and develop a team of payroll, T&A, and benefits specialists, setting clear direction, priorities, and performance expectations.
Elevate team capability through structured development plans, technical training, and exposure to best practices.
Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, service excellence, and employee-centricity.
Drive workload balance, succession planning, and talent retention within the team.
Partner effectively with HR, Finance, Legal, Total Rewards, Mobility, and IT to ensure aligned, integrated service delivery.
Communicate clearly and proactively with the employee population on payroll matters, ensuring transparency, timeliness, and a positive employee experience.
Manage relationships with external vendors (ADP and others), holding them accountable to SLAs and driving service improvements.
Provide executive-level reporting, KPIs, and insights to the Global Head of PSC and senior leadership.
Identify and lead process improvement, automation, and standardization initiatives across payroll, T&A, and benefits administration.
Contribute to the Global PSC strategy, aligning North America operations with global standards, governance, and service models.
Support system upgrades, integrations, and transformation projects (e.g., ADP enhancements, SuccessFactors integration).