Payroll Lead

Bernard Nickels & Associates; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Employee stock purchase plan

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Bernard Nickels & Associates is seeking a Payroll Lead in Atlanta, GA. The role requires overseeing payroll operations with hands-on Workday expertise and multi-state tax compliance. You will manage end-to-end payroll processes, ensure accuracy, and drive efficiency.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of payroll experience, strong analytical skills, and a proven ability to meet deadlines. This hybrid, full-time position offers comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, business, or a related field.
• 5+ years of hands-on payroll administration.
• Experience using Workday to process and administer payroll.
• Strong knowledge of payroll tax compliance and multi-state filings.
• Excellent Excel skills and strong analytical/problem-solving abilities.
• Proven ability to meet strict payroll deadlines and maintain accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end payroll processing, including regular and off-cycle runs.
• Ensure accurate processing in Workday and serve as primary payroll resource.
• Manage multi-state payroll tax compliance, filings, and reporting.
• Prepare and reconcile payroll tax forms (W‑2s, 941s, state filings).
• Coordinate state tax registrations and benefit-related deductions.
• Reconcile payroll liabilities and GL activity; process payroll journal entries.
• Handle 401(k) and stock purchase plan deductions and uploads.
• Perform payroll audits and year-end activities; support onboarding/termination.

Skills

Workday

Multi-state payroll

Excel

Attention to detail

Communication

Analytical skills

Payroll regulations knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/Business/related field

Job description

Job Title: Payroll Lead

Job Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire

Work Location: Atlanta, GA (Hybrid)

Work Schedule/Hours: Monday–Friday, 40 hours per week (standard business hours)

Compensation: $80,000–$100,000 annually

Overview

A leading banking organization is seeking a Payroll Lead to oversee payroll operations and serve as a key subject matter expert for payroll processing, compliance, reporting, and systems administration. This individual will take ownership of the payroll process, ensure accurate and timely payroll delivery, and help strengthen procedures, controls, and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate has extensive hands-on payroll experience, strong knowledge of Workday, and the ability to independently manage complex payroll activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee end-to-end payroll administration and processing, including regular and off-cycle payrolls conducted 24 times annually.
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing in Workday, serving as a primary resource for payroll-related questions, troubleshooting, and system functionality.
• Manage multi-state payroll tax compliance, including tax filings, reconciliations, and required federal, state, and local reporting.
• Prepare, review, and reconcile payroll tax forms, including W-2s, 941s, and applicable state filings.
• Coordinate new state payroll tax registrations and applications as needed.
• Administer wage garnishments, payroll deductions, and related employee inquiries.
• Reconcile payroll liabilities and validate general ledger activity, including payroll journal entries.
• Coordinate payroll-related uploads and deductions for 401(k), employee stock purchase plans, and other benefit programs.
• Process bonuses, commissions, and other supplemental compensation.
• Conduct payroll audits and support year-end payroll activities.
• Coordinate payroll activities related to onboarding, terminations, final pay, and benefits administration.
• Support open enrollment and collaborate with HR and other internal teams on payroll and benefits matters.
• Maintain and troubleshoot Workday payroll functionality, including system updates, upgrades, and ongoing maintenance.
• Develop and maintain payroll reports, documentation, and internal procedures.
• Provide training and cross-training to support payroll knowledge sharing and operational continuity.
• Communicate payroll policies and updates to employees and internal stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, and efficiency.
• Ensure payroll practices comply with applicable regulations and employment requirements, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, and workers’ compensation requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field required.
• 5+ years of hands-on payroll administration and processing experience.
• Demonstrated experience using Workday to process and administer payroll.
• Strong knowledge of payroll tax compliance, payroll accounting, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Experience managing multi-state payroll and related tax filings.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet strict payroll deadlines.
• Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
• Ability to independently manage payroll operations and serve as a trusted resource for payroll-related matters.

Preferred Qualifications

• Payroll experience within the banking or financial services industry.
• Knowledge of state and federal employment laws and regulations.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation.
• PHR, SPHR, or SHRM-CP certification.

Benefits

The company offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with the company covering a significant portion of healthcare costs.
• Company-provided life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, and long-term disability coverage.
• Paid sick and vacation leave, 11 paid holidays, and a volunteer/service day.
• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match of 50% on the first 8% of employee contributions.
• Employee stock purchase plan.
• Flexible spending accounts, health savings account, and health reimbursement arrangement.
• Supplemental insurance options, identity theft protection, pet insurance, and legal insurance.
• Employee assistance and advocacy programs.
• Wellness discounts and rewards, employee referral incentives, and education assistance.
• Employee resource groups and discounts on entertainment and select services.
• Employee banking perks, including free interest checking, a free safe deposit box, complimentary money orders and cashier’s checks, discounted mortgage origination fees, and free online banking and bill pay.

Details at a Glance

JOB TITLE: Payroll Lead

JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Direct Hire

LOCATION: Atlanta, GA (Hybrid)

TIME COMMITMENT: Monday–Friday, 40 hours per week (standard business hours)

COMPENSATION: $80,000–$100,000 annually

APPLICATION DEADLINE: ASAP

This role is a FULL TIME position sourced through BNA. You would be employed and paid by the client company but we would represent you up until the offer stage.