Senior Payroll Operations Lead

Posted yesterday

goodwin recruitingDenver (CO)

SENIORITY

Manager

Apply

About the role

We are seeking an experienced payroll professional ready to take greater ownership of a multi-state payroll operation. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys being hands-on with payroll while also improving processes, strengthening controls, establishing best practices, and providing guidance to other payroll team members. Whether you are already overseeing a payroll function or are an experienced payroll professional ready to take the next step in your career, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on how payroll operates. Senior
Payroll Operations Lead Responsibilities: Lead day-to-day payroll activities supporting employees across multiple states and business entities Evaluate current payroll workflows and implement best practices that improve accuracy, consistency, oversight, and operational efficiency Review payroll activity for accuracy while providing guidance and support to other members of the payroll team Remain hands-on with payroll processing and provide coverage when necessary Research and resolve complex issues involving pay, taxes, deductions, employee data, and payroll system exceptions Partner closely with Finance to ensure payroll activity is properly reconciled and reflected in financial reporting Monitor federal, state, and local payroll requirements and help ensure ongoing compliance Establish effective review practices and maintain clear payroll procedures and documentation Oversee payroll activity involving bonuses, benefits, retirement contributions, garnishments, leaves, and compensation changes Review timekeeping information and address exceptions that could impact payroll accuracy Assist with year-end payroll requirements, audits, reporting, and regulatory filings Analyze payroll data to identify discrepancies, trends, and opportunities for improvement Help improve payroll workflows through automation, stronger processes, and better use of technology Participate in payroll and HRIS enhancements, testing, implementations, and system changes Provide payroll support related to organizational growth, acquisitions, and changes to business entities
Core Competencies: Comprehensive understanding of end-to-end payroll processing Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll regulations and payroll tax requirements Ability to troubleshoot complex payroll issues and determine appropriate solutions Strong analytical skills with exceptional attention to accuracy Process improvement mindset and ability to identify operational inefficiencies Comfortable balancing team oversight with hands-on payroll responsibilities Effective cross-functional partner with Finance, HR, and other business teams Strong judgment and discretion when working with sensitive employee and compensation information Senior
Payroll Operations Lead Qualifications: 5+ years of progressive payroll experience Working knowledge of payroll reconciliations and the relationship between payroll and accounting, with the ability to partner effectively with Finance Significant experience processing and reviewing multi-state payroll Strong working experience with ADP Workforce Now Experience managing the complete payroll cycle from payroll inputs through reconciliation Knowledge of payroll taxes, wage and hour requirements, deductions, garnishments, benefits, and retirement contributions Experience with payroll reconciliations and payroll-related accounting activities Previous experience providing direction, training, or quality review for other payroll professionals Multi-entity payroll experience strongly preferred Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills Must be able to work regularly from an office in the Denver, CO area

Before you apply

Applying takes about a minute. These four things decide how fast it moves after that.

Your profile is current

It's what we read first. Occupations, seniority and locations matter more than a long history.

Two examples you can talk through

Not a portfolio — just two pieces of work where you can explain the decisions and what you'd change.

A number in mind

What you're on now and what would make you move. We negotiate better when we know both.

Your notice period

Employers plan around it, and it's the question that stalls offers most often.

Once you apply, someone reads it and calls you before anything reaches the employer — usually within two working days.

More like this