Payroll Operations Accountant, Team Leader

LLNL•Livermore, CA

17d•Hybrid

About The Position

We have an opening for a Payroll, Accountant 5 Team Leader position to work in a dynamic and fast paced environment. You will be responsible for managing the Payroll Operations Team including directing payroll activities, management and preparation, analysis, maintenance, reconciliation, and review of this complex institutional payroll and accounting function. This position is in the Payroll Division of the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) Organization. You will Provide strategic leadership and subject-matter expertise for Payroll Operations, ensuring compliance with Contract 44, Cost Accounting standards (CAS), Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), DOE/NNSA, and all regulatory requirements. Lead, supervise, and develop a team of exempt and non-exempt staff; establish goals, provide direction, and manage hiring, training, and performance. Direct end-to-end payroll operations, including performance reporting, internal controls, audit activities, and business process oversight. Lead development, interpretation, and implementation of institutional policies and procedures for payroll and time reporting. Serve as a key decision maker on payroll systems, processes, and financial practices; set standards for time reporting and payment functions. Identify, lead, and complete long-term, complex projects requiring innovative solutions and cross-organizational coordination. Develop and implement solutions to highly complex payroll issues impacting Laboratory-wide practices. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or related field, or equivalent education and extensive payroll experience.
Comprehensive knowledge of payroll/accounting principles, regulations, and systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Oracle).
Experience in large, complex organizations (9,000+ employees; >$3B annual revenue).
Extensive experience defining system requirements, performing testing, resolving complex issues, and meeting urgent deadlines.
Significant leadership experience, managing diverse teams and driving organizational goals.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence, negotiate, and build consensus across HR, IT, Benefits, Finance, and other stakeholders.
Expert ability to interpret and apply DOE/NNSA, UC, and Laboratory financial policies and procedures.
Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to address highly complex issues with high consequence of error.
Ability to manage multiple complex projects and priorities.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Previous experience leading a Payroll team.
Experience with LLNL financial, accounting, payroll, and timekeeping systems.
Experience with LLNL, DOE/NNSA, and UC policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and subject-matter expertise for Payroll Operations, ensuring compliance with Contract 44, Cost Accounting standards (CAS), Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), DOE/NNSA, and all regulatory requirements.
Lead, supervise, and develop a team of exempt and non-exempt staff; establish goals, provide direction, and manage hiring, training, and performance.
Direct end-to-end payroll operations, including performance reporting, internal controls, audit activities, and business process oversight.
Lead development, interpretation, and implementation of institutional policies and procedures for payroll and time reporting.
Serve as a key decision maker on payroll systems, processes, and financial practices; set standards for time reporting and payment functions.
Identify, lead, and complete long-term, complex projects requiring innovative solutions and cross-organizational coordination.
Develop and implement solutions to highly complex payroll issues impacting Laboratory-wide practices.
Perform other duties as assigned.