Payroll Lead, NA — Lead U.S./Canada Payroll Ops

LE001 The.Team: SME, LLC; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional Development

Generous Time Off

Parental Leave

401k plan

Healthcare

Ancillary benefits

Commuter Benefits

Job summary

THETEAM is seeking a Payroll Lead, NA to oversee day-to-day payroll operations for the U.S. and Canada, ensuring on-time and accurate processing.

You will manage two Payroll Specialists and partner with the Payroll Manager and Workday Analyst to strengthen controls and resolve issues. The role requires 3+ years of payroll experience, strong knowledge of multi-state and cross-border payroll, and advanced Excel skills.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of progressive payroll experience with complex U.S. payroll.
• Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll, tax, and deductions.
• Excellent analytical, reconciliation, and data validation skills.
• Proficiency with large payroll data sets and Excel reports.
• Clear written and verbal communication across stakeholders.
• Workday Payroll experience strongly preferred; cross-border knowledge a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end payroll operations for the U.S. and Canada, including calendars and funding.
• Coach two Payroll Specialists and ensure cross-training coverage.
• Perform payroll audits, investigate variances, and ensure accurate gross-to-net results.
• Serve as escalation point for complex payroll issues and cross-border questions.
• Coordinate quarter-end and year-end payroll activities and forms.
• Maintain payroll controls, documentation, and compliance with laws across regions.
• Partner with Workday Analyst on system changes, testing, and automation.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, Benefits and vendors on payroll matters.
• Identify recurring issues and drive process improvements while maintaining controls.

Skills

Payroll experience

Multi-state payroll

Analytical skills

Excel skills

Clear communication

Workday Payroll experience

Canadian payroll experience

Senior payroll processor

Tools

Workday Payroll

Job description

THETEAM is seeking a Payroll Lead, NA to oversee day-to-day payroll operations for the U.S. and Canada, ensuring on-time and accurate processing.

You will manage two Payroll Specialists and partner with the Payroll Manager and Workday Analyst to strengthen controls and resolve issues. The role requires 3+ years of payroll experience, strong knowledge of multi-state and cross-border payroll, and advanced Excel skills.