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Payroll Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CFS

Payroll Lead

Poughkeepsie, NY · On-site

$70/hr

Payroll Lead Location: Poughkeepsie, NY - 100% in-office Compensation: $70-80k Position Summary The Payroll Lead is responsible for managing end-to-end payroll operations for a large, multi-state ...

CFS

Payroll Lead

Valhalla, NY · On-site

$70/hr

Payroll Lead Location: Valhalla, NY - 100% in-office Compensation: $70-80k Position Summary The Payroll Lead is responsible for managing end-to-end payroll operations for a large, multi-state ...

First Student

Payroll Lead

Saint Joseph, MO · On-site

$20/hr

Payroll Lead Pay Rate: $20.00 per hour Why Join First Student? * Competitive Pay! * Medical, dental, and vision insurance * 401(k) with company contribution * Paid time off and paid holidays

Ware Malcomb

Payroll Lead

Irvine, CA · On-site

$75K - $92K/yr

As Payroll Lead at Ware Malcomb, you will be responsible for the day-to-day administration of U.S. payroll, ensuring timely and accurate processing in compliance with applicable laws and company ...

Ware Malcomb

Payroll Lead

Irvine, CA

$75K - $92K/yr

As Payroll Lead at Ware Malcomb, you will be responsible for the day-to-day administration of U.S. payroll, ensuring timely and accurate processing in compliance with applicable laws and company ...

NSF

Payroll Lead

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site +1

$100K - $115K/yr

The Lead Payroll (remote in Eastern Standard Time or Central Standard Time) is responsible for executing end-to-end U.S. and Canada payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and full ...

NSF

Payroll Lead

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

The Lead Payroll (remote in Eastern Standard Time or Central Standard Time) is responsible for executing end-to-end U.S. and Canada payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and full ...

Amy's Kitchen

Payroll Lead

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$37.50 - $54.50/hr

The Payroll Lead is responsible for overseeing and executing various payroll activities for processing payroll for approximately 2,000 employees across multiple locations, ensuring compliance with ...

Stony Brook University

Payroll Lead

Stony Brook, NY · On-site

Stony Brook University Human Resource Services is seeking a dedicated Payroll Lead to support all State payroll operations, review and interpret payroll related aspects of the various bargaining ...

Ware Malcomb

Payroll Lead

Irvine, CA

$75K - $92K/yr

Discover our vibrant culture to get an inside look into life at Ware Malcomb and the programs we offer. -at-ware-malcomb/ As Payroll Lead at Ware Malcomb, you will be responsible for the day-to-day ...

NSF International

Payroll Lead

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

The Lead Payroll (remote in Eastern Standard Time or Central Standard Time) is responsible for executing end-to-end U.S. and Canada payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and full ...

NSF

Payroll Lead

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site +1

$100K - $115K/yr

The Lead Payroll (remote in Eastern Standard Time or Central Standard Time) is responsible for executing end-to-end U.S. and Canada payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and full ...

Capstone

Payroll Lead

Boise, ID · On-site

... Payroll Specialists and assist with departmental trainings. * Uphold organization policies and standards, ensuring legislative regulations are followed. * Work closely with human resources to lead ...

First Student, Inc.

Payroll Lead

Saint Joseph, MO · On-site

$20/hr

Payroll Lead Pay Rate: $20.00 per hour Why Join First Student? * Competitive Pay! * Medical, dental, and vision insurance * 401(k) with company contribution * Paid time off and paid holidays

Sierra

Payroll Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$190K - $225K/yr

As our Payroll Manager, you will own and evolve Sierra's global payroll operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and an exceptional experience for employees across multiple regions. You'll design ...

Stony Brook University

Payroll Lead

Stony Brook, NY · On-site

Stony Brook University Human Resource Services is seeking a dedicated Payroll Lead to support all State payroll operations, review and interpret payroll related aspects of the various bargaining ...

First Student

Payroll Lead

Saint Joseph, MO · On-site

$20/hr

Payroll Lead Pay Rate: $20.00 per hour Why Join First Student? * Competitive Pay! * Medical, dental, and vision insurance * 401(k) with company contribution * Paid time off and paid holidays

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Payroll Lead information

See salary details

$40K

$100.5K

$207K

How much do payroll lead jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for payroll lead in the United States is $100,510.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $114,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Will payroll be replaced by AI?

Payroll Lead roles involve managing payroll processes, which currently rely on a combination of software and human oversight. While AI can automate tasks like data entry and calculations, human judgment is still essential for compliance, troubleshooting, and handling complex issues, so complete replacement is unlikely in the near future.

What is the highest salary of a payroll manager?

The highest salary for a payroll manager can reach up to $120,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Senior payroll managers with certifications like CPP or FPC and extensive expertise in payroll systems may earn higher compensation, especially in large organizations or high-cost areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Payroll Lead, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Payroll Lead, you need a solid understanding of payroll processes, tax regulations, and compliance requirements, often supported by a degree in accounting or a related field. Familiarity with payroll software systems like ADP, SAP, or Workday, and certifications such as the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) are typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and leadership skills help manage teams and resolve payroll discrepancies effectively. These competencies ensure accurate, timely payroll processing and compliance, which are critical for employee satisfaction and organizational integrity.

What are Payroll Leads?

Payroll Leads are professionals responsible for overseeing a company's payroll operations, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time. They manage payroll staff, handle complex payroll issues, and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Payroll Leads also collaborate with HR and finance departments to implement payroll policies and improve processes, often serving as the main point of contact for payroll-related inquiries.

How does a Payroll Lead typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

A Payroll Lead regularly coordinates with Human Resources, Finance, and IT departments to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing. They work closely with HR to verify employee data, benefits, and timekeeping records, and with Finance to reconcile payroll expenses and prepare reports. Additionally, they may collaborate with IT to troubleshoot payroll software issues or implement system upgrades. Effective communication and collaboration are essential to resolve discrepancies and maintain compliance with regulations.

What is the highest paying job in payroll?

The highest paying roles in payroll are typically senior positions such as Payroll Director or Payroll Manager, especially in large organizations. These roles often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of payroll systems and compliance, with salaries reaching six figures or more depending on the industry and location.

What is the role of a payroll lead?

A payroll lead oversees the payroll process, ensuring accurate and timely payment to employees while maintaining compliance with tax laws and company policies. They often manage payroll staff, utilize payroll software, and coordinate with HR and finance departments to resolve issues and improve procedures.

What is the difference between Payroll Lead vs Payroll Specialist?

AspectPayroll LeadPayroll Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires payroll certifications (e.g., CPP, FPC) and experience in team leadershipUsually requires payroll or accounting certifications and relevant experience
Work EnvironmentLeads payroll teams, oversees payroll processes, and ensures compliancePerforms payroll processing, data entry, and reporting tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in larger organizations with payroll teamsCommon in organizations of all sizes for payroll processing
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for leadership roles in payrollCompared for operational payroll roles

The Payroll Lead typically oversees payroll teams, manages payroll processes, and ensures compliance, requiring leadership skills and certifications. In contrast, the Payroll Specialist focuses on executing payroll tasks, data management, and reporting. Both roles are essential in payroll operations but differ mainly in responsibility level and scope.

More about Payroll Lead jobs
What cities are hiring for Payroll Lead jobs? Cities with the most Payroll Lead job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Payroll Lead jobs? The top employers for Payroll Lead jobs are:
What states have the most Payroll Lead jobs? States with the most job openings for Payroll Lead jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Payroll Lead jobs? For Payroll Lead jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Payroll Lead jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payroll Lead job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,510 per year, or $48.3 per hour.
Payroll Lead

Payroll Lead

CFS

Poughkeepsie, NY • On-site

$70/hr

Full-time

Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Payroll Lead

Location: Poughkeepsie, NY - 100% in-office
Compensation: $70-80k

Position Summary

The Payroll Lead is responsible for managing end-to-end payroll operations for a large, multi-state workforce. This role ensures accurate and compliant payroll processing across union and non-union employee populations, partners closely with HR and Accounting, and drives process improvements through documentation, workflow optimization, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead end-to-end payroll processing for 3,500+ multi-state employees across bi-weekly pay cycles, supporting both union and non-union populations.
  • Oversee payroll calculations, validations, and audits to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Manage payroll calculations and remittances for 8+ union agreements, including maintaining and updating union-related payroll files and processes.
  • Calculate and remit bi-weekly and quarterly payroll taxes through ADP Workforce; manage 403(b) retirement plan remittances and Concur payroll file integrations.
  • Utilize and maintain the UKG Kronos HRIS platform for payroll processing, timekeeping, and workforce management.
  • Partner with timekeepers to manage employee timecards; provide troubleshooting and support within UKG Kronos and Infor Lawson systems.
  • Develop, streamline, and document payroll workflows, including detailed analysis of file paths, to improve efficiency, accuracy, and team productivity.
  • Collaborate closely with HR and Accounting to design and implement payroll-related process improvements, controls, and reporting solutions.
  • Lead cross-functional payroll initiatives, delivering insights and enhancements to payroll operations, reporting, and compliance readiness.
Qualifications
  • Proven experience leading payroll operations for a large, multi-state employee population.
  • Strong knowledge of union payroll requirements, tax compliance, and remittance processes.
  • Hands-on experience with ADP Workforce, UKG Kronos, and Infor Lawson (or similar payroll/HRIS systems).
  • Demonstrated ability to improve payroll processes through documentation, workflow optimization, and cross-functional collaboration.
  • High attention to detail with strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

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