Payroll Lead (Workday)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid time off

11 holidays

401(k) match

Employee stock purchase plan

Flexible spending accounts

Health Savings Account

Education assistance

Job summary

Bernard Nickels & Associates in Atlanta is seeking a Payroll Lead to oversee payroll operations, ensure accurate and timely payroll delivery, and serve as the payroll SME across processing, controls, and systems.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of hands-on payroll experience, strong Workday knowledge, and the ability to independently manage complex payroll activities within a banking context.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, business, or related field required.
• 5+ years of hands-on payroll administration and processing experience.
• Experience using Workday to process payroll.
• Strong knowledge of payroll tax compliance and multi-state filings.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet strict payroll deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end payroll processing including regular and off-cycle payrolls (24 per year).
• Ensure accurate payroll processing in Workday as the primary resource for payroll questions and system functionality.
• Manage multi-state payroll tax compliance, including tax filings, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Prepare, review, and reconcile payroll tax forms (W-2s, 941s, etc.).
• Coordinate new state payroll tax registrations and applications as needed.
• Administer wage garnishments and payroll deductions.
• Reconcile payroll liabilities and validate GL activity.
• Coordinate payroll-related uploads and deductions for 401(k) and other benefits.
• Process bonuses and commissions.
• Conduct payroll audits and support year-end activities.
• Coordinate onboarding, terminations, final pay, and benefits administration.
• Support open enrollment and payroll/benefits matters with HR.
• Maintain and troubleshoot Workday payroll functionality.

Skills

Workday payroll processing

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR, business, or related field

Tools

Workday

Microsoft Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

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

Compensation: $80,000-$100,000 annually, depending on experience

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.

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.