Payroll Specialist - Lead

CFS; Watertown (WI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with profit sharing

Tuition reimbursement

Parental leave

Generous PTO

Job summary

CFS in Wisconsin's Watertown is seeking a Payroll Lead to oversee multi-state payroll operations, guide a small team, and shape future processes. This role offers a hybrid schedule with four days on site and one remote day per week.

You will ensure compliance, drive automation, partner with HR and Finance, and contribute to internal controls while delivering high-impact results. The position includes a strong benefits package and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including multi-state payroll administration.
• Experience leading, mentoring, or supervising payroll professionals preferred.
• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, payroll systems, reporting, and advanced Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end payroll processing for hourly and salaried employees across multiple states.
• Ensure compliance with payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and reporting requirements.
• Oversee payroll audits, reconciliations, year-end processing, and regulatory filings.
• Manage, coach, and develop a team of two payroll professionals.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for payroll systems, reporting, and process administration.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, controls, and data accuracy.

Skills

Payroll systems

Multi-state payroll

Leadership

Advanced Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Accounting/Finance/Business Administration

Job description

• Lead payroll operations for a complex multi-state workforce
• Manage and mentor a team of payroll professionals while helping shape future processes and best practices
• Hybrid work schedule with four days onsite and one remote day per week
• Opportunity to drive automation, strengthen internal controls, and improve operational efficiency
• Partner directly with HR, Finance, Benefits, and Operations leadership teams
• High-impact role with visibility across the organization
• Comprehensive benefits package including 401(k) with profit sharing, tuition reimbursement, parental leave, and generous PTO
• Join a growing organization that values employee development and continuous improvement

Payroll Lead

Salary: $90,000 to $100,000

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Lead payroll operations for a complex multi-state workforce
• Manage and mentor a team of payroll professionals while helping shape future processes and best practices
• Hybrid work schedule with four days onsite and one remote day per week
• Opportunity to drive automation, strengthen internal controls, and improve operational efficiency
• Partner directly with HR, Finance, Benefits, and Operations leadership teams
• High-impact role with visibility across the organization
• Comprehensive benefits package including 401(k) with profit sharing, tuition reimbursement, parental leave, and generous PTO
• Join a growing organization that values employee development and continuous improvement

Key Responsibilities For The Payroll Lead

• Lead end-to-end payroll processing for hourly and salaried employees across multiple states
• Ensure compliance with payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and reporting requirements
• Oversee payroll audits, reconciliations, year-end processing, and regulatory filings
• Manage, coach, and develop a team of two payroll professionals
• Serve as the subject matter expert for payroll systems, reporting, and process administration
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, controls, and data accuracy

Qualifications For The Payroll Lead

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred
• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including multi-state payroll administration
• Experience leading, mentoring, or supervising payroll professionals preferred
• Strong knowledge of payroll tax regulations, payroll systems, reporting, and advanced Excel skills