Payroll Lead/Supervisor

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Payroll Lead

Reports To: Vice President –HR

Direct Reports: Yes Functional Unit: Human Resources

FLSA Status: Exempt Position Type: Full-Time

Location: Charlotte

THE COMPANY

Onward Energy is an independent power platform that owns and operates over 7 GW of utility-scale wind, solar and natural gas generation projects across the U.S. Our Vision is to reliably power a sustainable future. Our Mission is that as North America’s premier independent power generator, we will deliver renewable and reliable power to our customers, opportunities to our associates, sustainable returns to the families who invest in us, and a better world to the next generation. Corporate Offices in Denver, New York and Charlotte, we are where renewable meets reliable. See www.onwardenergy.com for more information.

THE CHALLENGE

Onward Energy is seeking a Payroll Lead to oversee payroll operations and drive continuous improvement across the function. This individual will bring strong technical expertise to implement best practices, lead system and process enhancements, and increase overall efficiency. The role will serve as a trusted advisor to business leaders, ensuring the delivery of accurate, timely, and compliant payroll data.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads the organization's payroll function to ensure payroll operations are conducted accurately and timely.
• Ensure payroll services are processed in accordance with established policies and procedures along with compliance with federal, state, and local payroll wage and hour laws, and best practices.
• Establishes and maintains departmental policies, practices, and procedures.
• Implement, maintain, and review payroll processing systems to ensure accurate processing of payroll transactions including wages, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions using Workday.
• Continuously evaluates and improves payroll processes to drive efficiency, reduce manual effort, and enhance overall service delivery.
• Collaborates cross-functionally with Accounting/Finance/Treasury, Operations, and HR to ensure accurate data flow, effective communication, and timely funding of payroll and related expenses.
• Ensures payroll and related tax reporting are processed accurately and on schedule for all pay periods, month-end, quarter-end, and year-end reconciliations.
• Regularly reviews and audits payroll tax withholding and multi-jurisdiction tax setups for accuracy and compliance.
• Assists with audits and compliance testing by supplying documentation and records for accounting/finance, 401(k), and Workers’ Compensation as needed.
• Carries out other related responsibilities as necessary to achieve departmental objectives.

THE PROFILE TO SUCCEED

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business Management, Finance, Human Resources, or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification preferred.
• Minimum (8+) years of experience in full-cycle payroll management of Exempt and Non-Exempt workforce, and experience with multi-state and jurisdictional (20+) payroll processing.
• Extensive knowledge of payroll function, including preparation, processing, balancing, payroll accounting, payroll reporting, payroll taxes, and internal controls development, utilizing Workday.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS/Payroll software applications (Workday, Paylocity, ADP, Paycor, etc.).
• Experience with leading/project management of HRIS/Payroll enterprise-wide solution implementations.
• Ability to think through payroll processes and propose technological solutions to save time, improve controls and improve service quality.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills including the ability to communicate clearly with all levels within the organization.
• Apply strong analytical and organizational abilities to solve problems and produce precise, detail-oriented results
• Maintains a customer-service mindset, prioritizing responsiveness, accuracy, and support.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a cross-functional team.