Demo

Senior Payroll Operations Lead

Goodwin Recruiting
Denver, CO Other
POSTED ON 10/19/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/2/2026

We are seeking an experienced payroll professional ready to take greater ownership of a multi-state payroll operation. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys being hands-on with payroll while also improving processes, strengthening controls, establishing best practices, and providing guidance to other payroll team members. Whether you are already overseeing a payroll function or are an experienced payroll professional ready to take the next step in your career, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on how payroll operates.


Senior Payroll Operations Lead Responsibilities

  • Lead day-to-day payroll activities supporting employees across multiple states and business entities
  • Evaluate current payroll workflows and implement best practices that improve accuracy, consistency, oversight, and operational efficiency
  • Review payroll activity for accuracy while providing guidance and support to other members of the payroll team
  • Remain hands-on with payroll processing and provide coverage when necessary
  • Research and resolve complex issues involving pay, taxes, deductions, employee data, and payroll system exceptions
  • Partner closely with Finance to ensure payroll activity is properly reconciled and reflected in financial reporting
  • Monitor federal, state, and local payroll requirements and help ensure ongoing compliance
  • Establish effective review practices and maintain clear payroll procedures and documentation
  • Oversee payroll activity involving bonuses, benefits, retirement contributions, garnishments, leaves, and compensation changes
  • Review timekeeping information and address exceptions that could impact payroll accuracy
  • Assist with year-end payroll requirements, audits, reporting, and regulatory filings
  • Analyze payroll data to identify discrepancies, trends, and opportunities for improvement
  • Help improve payroll workflows through automation, stronger processes, and better use of technology
  • Participate in payroll and HRIS enhancements, testing, implementations, and system changes
  • Provide payroll support related to organizational growth, acquisitions, and changes to business entities

Core Competencies

  • Comprehensive understanding of end-to-end payroll processing
  • Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll regulations and payroll tax requirements
  • Ability to troubleshoot complex payroll issues and determine appropriate solutions
  • Strong analytical skills with exceptional attention to accuracy
  • Process improvement mindset and ability to identify operational inefficiencies
  • Comfortable balancing team oversight with hands-on payroll responsibilities
  • Effective cross-functional partner with Finance, HR, and other business teams
  • Strong judgment and discretion when working with sensitive employee and compensation information

Senior Payroll Operations Lead Qualifications

  • 5 years of progressive payroll experience
  • Working knowledge of payroll reconciliations and the relationship between payroll and accounting, with the ability to partner effectively with Finance
  • Significant experience processing and reviewing multi-state payroll
  • Strong working experience with ADP Workforce Now
  • Experience managing the complete payroll cycle from payroll inputs through reconciliation
  • Knowledge of payroll taxes, wage and hour requirements, deductions, garnishments, benefits, and retirement contributions
  • Experience with payroll reconciliations and payroll-related accounting activities
  • Previous experience providing direction, training, or quality review for other payroll professionals
  • Multi-entity payroll experience strongly preferred
  • Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
  • Must be able to work regularly from an office in the Denver, CO area
  JOB ID: 181650 #post

Jason Groupp

Salary : $110,000

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