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Payroll Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Payroll Lead, EMEA Location: EMEA - Homebased About the role: We're hiring an Payroll Lead, EMEA to work with local teams to standardize and stabilise payroll operations across EMEA. Covering 15 ...

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 ...

Payroll Lead

Bellevue, WA · Hybrid

$87K - $108K/yr

As the Payroll Lead, you are not just an operator; you are the architect of our payroll engine. We are seeking industry-best talent who doesn't just record data but actively builds the future of our ...

Payroll Lead

Bellevue, WA · Hybrid

$87K - $108K/yr

As the Payroll Lead, you are not just an operator; you are the architect of our payroll engine. We are seeking industry-best talent who doesn't just record data but actively builds the future of our ...

Payroll Lead

Orlando, FL · Hybrid

$60K - $63K/yr

Schedule: Monday - Friday (Full Time) | Hybrid: 3 Days In Office; 2 Days Remote The Payroll Lead plays a crucial role in managing and processing employee payroll, ensuring accurate and timely ...

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

Payroll Lead

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$87K - $108K/yr

As the Payroll Lead, you are not just an operator; you are the architect of our payroll engine. We are seeking industry-best talent who doesn't just record data but actively builds the future of our ...

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

Payroll Lead, EMEA Location: EMEA - Homebased About the role: We're hiring an Payroll Lead, EMEA to work with local teams to standardize and stabilise payroll operations across EMEA. Covering 15 ...

OR · On-site

$90K - $173K/yr

Lead the implementation of Workday Payroll solutions, including requirements gathering, configuration, testing, and deployment. * Collaborate with clients to understand their payroll requirements and ...

Workday Payroll Lead

$90K - $173K/yr

Lead the implementation of Workday Payroll solutions, including requirements gathering, configuration, testing, and deployment. * Collaborate with clients to understand their payroll requirements and ...

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$40K

$100.5K

$207K

How much do payroll lead jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 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.

What does a payroll lead do?

A payroll lead oversees the payroll process, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time. They manage payroll data, coordinate with HR and finance, and ensure compliance with tax laws and company policies, often using payroll software. Strong attention to detail and knowledge of payroll regulations are essential for this role.

What are the 4 types of payroll systems?

Payroll leads need to understand the four main types of payroll systems: manual, outsourced, payroll software, and integrated HR/payroll systems. Manual systems involve paper records and calculations, while outsourced systems delegate payroll processing to third-party providers. Payroll software automates calculations and record-keeping, and integrated systems combine payroll with other HR functions for efficiency.

Is payroll a stressful job?

Payroll leads are responsible for ensuring accurate and timely processing of employee compensation, which can involve tight deadlines and complex calculations. The role can be stressful during peak periods such as payroll deadlines or audits, but effective organization and familiarity with payroll software can help manage workload and reduce stress.

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 often senior positions such as Payroll Director or Payroll Manager, especially in large organizations. These roles typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of payroll systems and compliance, with salaries reaching six figures in many cases.

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:
Infographic showing various Payroll Lead job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 56% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,510 per year, or $48.3 per hour.
Payroll Lead

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Stony Brook University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

215th of 535 rated colleges and universities


Job description


Required Qualifications (as evidenced by an attached resume): 
Bachelor's degree (foreign equivalent or higher), in lieu of a bachelor's degree, a combination of education and experience totaling four (4) years may be considered. Three (3) years of full-time full time experience processing payroll. Knowledge of payroll related laws/regulations. Experience with computer applications to include Microsoft Office Suite and/or Google Workspace. 
Preferred Qualifications: 
Experience processing payroll within a large organization and/or unionized environment. Experience working in higher education or for a government entity. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel. Experience working with non-resident alien payroll. Experience conducting training or mentoring others.
Brief Description of Duties:
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 agreements, create internal procedures, and train the payroll team. The successful candidate is punctual with excellent communication and multitasking skills, a positive attitude and a strong work ethic. Having prior payroll experience, the candidate is able to work independently, prioritize tasks, interact with and lead members of the team. Incumbent must be able to analyze information, be detail oriented, possess strong math skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure 

  • Maintains payroll for State employees (University, Hospital and Long Island State Veterans Home), Student Assistants, and Special Fund Estimate (SFE) workers by collecting, calculating, and entering data into various systems. Supports payroll operations by following policies and procedures; investigating problems and ensuring necessary corrections are made to ensure the accuracy of payroll transactions. 
  • Ensures accuracy of payroll transactions processed by Payroll Examiners. Resolves discrepancies by collecting and analyzing information and implementing changes. Member of the State Payroll Users Group, attending meetings, determining impact of process changes, and ensuring the team understands and implements new processes. 
  • Responsible for reviewing and understanding payroll related aspects of all bargaining agreements and ensuring that transactions are processed which align with the terms of the bargaining agreements. 
  • Responsible for the creation/maintenance of internal procedures, ensuring all processes have been clearly identified and documented. Updates procedures as changes to the processes have been implemented and/or new/ additional information is received from OSC/SUNY. -
  • Other duties or projects as assigned as appropriate to rank and departmental mission.

Special Notes:
This is a Management Confidential position. This is a full-time appointment. FLSA Non Exempt position, eligible for the overtime provisions of the FLSA. 
Essential Position: This has been designated as an essential position based on the duties of the job and the functions performed. Positions that are designated as such may be required to report to work/remain at work even if classes are canceled, and the campus is working on limited operations in an emergency.
This position will remain posted until filled or for a maximum of 60 days. An initial review of all applicants will occur two weeks from the posting date. For full consideration, applications must be received before the initial review date. If within the initial review no candidate was selected to fill the position posted, additional applications will be considered for the posted position; however, the posting will close once a finalist is identified, and at minimal, two weeks after the initial posting date.
For this position, we are unable to sponsor candidates for work visas.
Resume/CV and cover letter should be included with the online application.
Stony Brook University is committed to excellence in diversity and the creation of an inclusive learning and working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.
If you need a disability-related accommodation, please call the university Office of Equity and Access (OEA) at (631) 632-6280 or visit OEA.
In accordance with the Title II Crime Awareness and Security Act a copy of our crime statistics can be viewed here.
Visit our WHY WORK HERE page to learn about the total rewards we offer.
The starting salary range (or hiring range) to be offered for this position is noted below, it represents SBU's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.


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