Payroll Operations Lead

L3HHCM20•Town of Guilderland, NY

64d•$82,500 - $153,000•Remote

About The Position

The Payroll Operations Lead responsible for overseeing the timely and efficient execution of payroll processes across the organization. This role drives operational excellence, champions a culture of continuous improvement, and promotes strong cross-functional collaboration to ensure payroll is delivered with reliability, accuracy, and consistency.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 6 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.
4+ years of experience in payroll operations, with a focus on process improvement and stakeholder management, preferred
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to interpret data and trends
Familiarity with relevant laws, regulations, and standards affecting payroll processing.
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to manage deadlines and prioritize tasks effectively
Reliable and responsible handling of sensitive information
Effective communication with clients, vendors, and colleagues
Attention to Detail ensuring accuracy in financial records and reports
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Strong analytical skills
Clear and confident communicators across all levels of the organization
Change agent with a continuous improvement mindset
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Proven track record of delivering projects on time and driving operational improvements
Experience working in a fast-paced, multi-state or global environment

Responsibilities

Operational Leadership: Own the payroll calendar and ensure all payroll cycles are executed on time and without error across multiple regions or entities.
Process Optimization: Identify inefficiencies and lead initiatives to improve payroll workflows, automation, and system integration.
Project Management: Drive payroll-related projects such as process enhancements, policy changes, and compliance initiatives.
Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the liaison between Payroll, HR, Finance, and external vendors to ensure alignment and issue resolution.
Audit & Controls: Maintain strong internal controls and audit readiness; ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
Reporting & Metrics: Monitor KPIs related to payroll timeliness, accuracy, and service levels; provide insights and recommendations to leadership.
Team Enablement: Support and guide payroll team members, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning