Payroll Lead

Harding, Shymanski & Company, P.S.C.; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Harding, Shymanski & Co., P.S.C. in Louisville, KY (and Evansville, IN) seeks an experienced Payroll Lead to oversee payroll processing for the firm's employees.

You will partner with Human Resources and Finance to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and confidentiality of payroll data. The role emphasizes tax compliance, benefits administration, and the use of technology to improve payroll accuracy and efficiency.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of payroll and benefits experience with an emphasis on payroll tax knowledge.
• Strong understanding of payroll rules and taxability of various earnings codes & deductions.
• Experience with multi-state payroll (Indiana and Kentucky, including local taxes).
• Proficiency with Excel and payroll reporting.
• CPP or FPC certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Entering employee information and payroll data into the outsourced payroll system.
• Answering employees' questions and concerns regarding payroll.
• Reconciling hours, commissions, bonuses, taxes, and deductions.
• Processing new employees, promotions, and terminations in the payroll system.
• Issuing statements detailing earnings and deductions.
• Investigating and resolving payroll discrepancies.
• Maintaining and updating payroll records.
• Preparing periodic payroll reports.
• Administration of the firm's 401(k) and Section 125 plans.
• Processing Flexible Spending Account Reimbursements.
• Coordinating 401(k) plan activities with service provider and auditors.
• Designing personnel forms and workflows.
• Calculating compensation budgets and profit sharing.

Skills

Payroll expertise

Payroll tax knowledge

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Excel proficiency

Time management

Education

Bachelor's or Associate degree in accounting/finance

High school diploma/GED

CPP or FPC certification (preferred)

Tools

UKG

Job description

Harding, Shymanski & Co., P.S.C. (https://www.hsccpa.com), a leading public accounting and consulting firm, is seeking an experienced Payroll Lead to join our Evansville, Indiana or Louisville, Kentucky office.

At HSC, the Payroll Lead manages payroll for the firm's employees, ensuring accurate, timely processing and maintaining confidential employee records. This role partners with Human Resources and Finance to keep payroll information current, resolve questions, and provide a reliable employee experience.

At HSC, we differentiate ourselves by embracing innovative technologies and integrated work models that enhance efficiency, collaboration, and the experience of our team members. Our Payroll Lead plays a key role in leveraging these tools to deliver accurate, efficient, and secure payroll for our people.

We offer a highly competitive compensation package that reflects the experience, skills, and value you bring, along with a comprehensive benefits program. In addition, you will have the opportunity to own a critical, firm-wide function in an environment that prioritizes continuous improvement, flexibility, and long-term career growth.

Key Responsibilities

The Payroll Lead is responsible for overseeing the accurate and timely processing of payroll, including regular earnings, overtime, bonuses, deductions, and approved adjustments. This role reviews time records and works closely with employees and managers to resolve discrepancies prior to payroll deadlines. The Payroll Lead maintains accurate payroll records for new hires, departures, compensation changes, and benefit deductions while ensuring compliance with payroll policies and applicable regulations. Working in partnership with Finance, this position reconciles payroll reports, supports funding and accounting activities, and assists with payroll-related reporting.

The Payroll Lead also serves as the primary contact for the payroll provider regarding tax filings, year-end reporting, and system-related issues. Additionally, the role responds to employee payroll inquiries with professionalism and discretion, maintains supporting documentation, safeguards confidential information, and continuously identifies opportunities to improve payroll accuracy, efficiency, and consistency across the organization.

Job Duties

• Entering employee information and payroll data into the outsourced payroll system.
• Answering employees' questions and concerns regarding payroll.
• Reconciling hours, commissions, bonuses, taxes, and deductions.
• Processing new employees, promotions, and terminations in the payroll system.
• Issuing statements detailing earnings and deductions.
• Investigating and resolving payroll discrepancies.
• Maintaining and updating payroll records.
• Preparing periodic payroll reports.
• Administration of the firm's 401(k) and Section 125 plans.
• Processing Flexible Spending Account Reimbursements.
• Coordinating 401(k) plan activities with service provider and auditors.
• Designing personnel forms and workflows.
• Calculating compensation budgets and profit sharing.

Education & Experience Requirements:

• 5+ years of payroll and benefits experience with an emphasis on payroll tax knowledge, a strong understanding of payroll rules and taxability of various earnings codes & deduction codes.
• High school diploma/GED.
• Associate's or bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field preferred.
• Experience processing payroll and using payroll and timekeeping systems.
• Experience with UKG is a plus.
• Multi-state payroll experience (Indiana and Kentucky, including local taxes) and CPP or FPC certification preferred.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and ability to meet recurring deadlines.
• Working knowledge of payroll practices, deductions, and applicable requirements.
• Proficiency with Excel and payroll reporting.
• Sound judgment when handling sensitive employee and compensation information.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with employees, managers, Human Resources, and Finance.

Why HSC?

• Strong emphasis on embracing technology, people development, mentorship, and career growth
• Ownership of a critical, firm-wide function with direct visibility to firm leadership
• Collaborative culture that values balance, integrity, and teamwork
• Opportunities to participate in training, and firm initiatives

Awards & Recognition:

• Recognized as a Best of Accounting firm for client satisfaction.
• Named among the Top 200 Firms by Inside Public Accounting in 2025.
• Certified as a Great Place to Work in 2026.