US Payroll SME / Team Lead

We are looking for an experienced US Payroll SME / Team Lead to join a global HR Operations team supporting a large-scale US workforce. This role is ideal for a payroll professional with deep expertise in end-to-end US multi-state payroll processing, payroll compliance, payroll controls, and stakeholder management .

You will play a critical role in ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll delivery while partnering closely with client stakeholders and leading a team of payroll professionals.

What You'll Do

Payroll Operations

-Manage end-to-end US payroll processing for multi-state employee populations

-Review payroll inputs, earnings, deductions, taxes, garnishments, and adjustments

-Execute payroll audits, reconciliations, and exception management

-Support both on-cycle and off-cycle payroll processing

-Ensure payroll accuracy and timely delivery

Compliance & Risk Management

-Ensure compliance with Federal, State, and Local payroll regulations

-Maintain compliance with FLSA, Wage & Hour laws, garnishment requirements, and W-2 regulations

-Monitor legislative changes impacting payroll operations

-Drive payroll controls, variance analysis, and reconciliation processes

Client & Stakeholder Management

-Serve as a trusted payroll advisor for client stakeholders

-Participate in operational reviews and governance meetings

-Communicate payroll risks, issues, and resolutions proactively

-Support escalations and complex payroll inquiries

Team Leadership

-Lead, coach, and mentor payroll analysts

-Manage priorities, payroll calendars, and workload distribution

-Ensure adherence to SLAs, controls, and quality standards

Drive continuous improvement initiatives and process optimization

Year-End Activities

-Support year-end payroll activities including:

• W-2 processing
• Tax balancing
• Payroll reconciliations
• Amendments and corrections

What We're Looking For

Required Experience

✔ 10+ years of US Payroll Operations experience

✔ 5+ years in an SME, Lead, Senior Analyst, or Team Lead capacity

✔ Hands-on experience managing end-to-end US payroll processing

✔ Strong expertise in multi-state payroll and payroll tax compliance

✔ Experience supporting large employee populations (10,000+ employees preferred)

✔ Client-facing experience with US-based organizations

✔ Proven ability to lead payroll teams and manage stakeholder relationships

Technical & Functional Expertise

Strong knowledge of:

• Multi-State US Payroll Processing
• Federal, State, and Local Payroll Tax Regulations
• FLSA & Wage and Hour Compliance
• Garnishments
• W-2 Processing
• Payroll Audits & Reconciliations
• Payroll Controls & Risk Management
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

Experience with payroll systems and integrated HR platforms is required.