Senior Payroll Lead - Multi-State & Workday Expert (Hybrid)

Aston Carter; Franklin Park (IL); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan – pre-tax & Roth options

Life Insurance

Short/Long-term disability

HSA

Transit benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking an experienced Payroll Operations Lead to manage end-to-end biweekly payroll across multiple states and entities using Workday. You will ensure data accuracy, resolve complex issues, and oversee year-end processing including W-2s while maintaining strong internal controls.

The role requires expertise in multi-state payroll, federal/state compliance, and payroll tax regulations, with preference for CPP certification and Workday experience.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of progressive payroll experience in a fast-paced, multi-entity environment.
• Deep expertise in multi-state payroll processing and a strong command of federal and state compliance, tax regulations, and wage/hour laws.
• Hands-on Workday Payroll experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with NetSuite or similar general ledger systems a plus.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the ability to build and interpret payroll reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end biweekly multi-state payroll for exempt and non-exempt employees across entities in Workday.
• Audit data accuracy and maintain payroll records.
• Act as escalation point for complex payroll issues and resolve discrepancies.
• Manage year-end processing including W-2s, balancing, adjustments, and amendments.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations including wage and hour laws.
• Monitor payroll tax law changes and implement updates.
• Support external audits and maintain strong internal controls.
• Partner on onboarding, offboarding, pay changes, and benefits administration.
• Develop payroll reports and analytics for leadership insights.
• Reconcile payroll accounts and support month end close activities.
• Identify and drive automation and process improvements.

Skills

Payroll

Payroll tax

Workday

Multi-state payroll

Education

CPP certification preferred

Tools

NetSuite

Job description

Aston Carter is seeking an experienced Payroll Operations Lead to manage end-to-end biweekly payroll across multiple states and entities using Workday. You will ensure data accuracy, resolve complex issues, and oversee year-end processing including W-2s while maintaining strong internal controls.

The role requires expertise in multi-state payroll, federal/state compliance, and payroll tax regulations, with preference for CPP certification and Workday experience.