Lead Payroll Specialist

The Opportunity

The Lead Payroll Specialist is responsible for ensuring accurate and compliant payroll processing for multi-state and international payroll operations, while providing advanced subject matter expertise across all areas of payroll. This role leads complex payroll activities, including reconciliations, audits, and cross-functional initiatives, and partners closely with Accounting, HR, and business leaders to strengthen payroll processes and controls.

The Lead Payroll Specialist plays a key role in driving process improvements, supporting strategic initiatives, and mentoring team members. Due to the nature of the position, this role requires a high level of discretion and the ability to handle confidential information appropriately.

What You'll Do

• Owns the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of end-to-end payroll operations, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and applicable international regulations.
• Serves as a subject matter expert in payroll processes, tax regulations, and systems; provides guidance on complex issues and influences resolution strategies.
• Leads payroll reconciliations and audits, including variance identification, root cause analysis, and implementation of sustainable controls in partnership with Accounting.
• Takes ownership of payroll tax filings and compliance activities, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and mitigating organizational risk.
• Leads cross-functional payroll initiatives and process improvements, identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, scalability, and system effectiveness.
• Anticipates and assesses the impact of system, policy, or organizational changes; proactively prepares payroll processes, controls, and team readiness.
• Develops and delivers payroll reporting, insights, and analysis to support decision-making for management, employees, and external stakeholders.
• Collaborates with internal teams and external partners to resolve complex payroll issues and drive continuous improvement.
• Provides informal leadership through training, mentoring, and guidance to payroll team members; supports knowledge sharing and skill development.

What We Expect from You

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation required.
• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including ownership of complex payroll operations in multi-state and/or international environments.
• Advanced expertise in payroll processing, payroll taxes, and applicable federal, state, and international regulations.
• Strong understanding of multi-jurisdictional payroll practices, including exposure to international payroll models (e.g., EOR, third-party providers).
• Advanced proficiency in payroll and business systems, including UKG (UltiPro), Microsoft Dynamics 365, and Microsoft Office applications (with strong emphasis on Excel).
• Demonstrated ability to leverage systems and tools to drive efficiency, reporting, and process improvements.
• Proven ability to lead payroll reconciliations, audits, and complex issue resolution, including root cause analysis and implementation of sustainable solutions.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and provide actionable insights.
• High level of attention to detail, judgment, and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Demonstrates openness to innovation by embracing and applying evolving technology and AI tools to enhance workflows, solve problems, and drive continuous improvement.
• Must have authorization to work permanently in the U.S.

As you consider applying for a position at Ulteig, we encourage you to think outside the box - because we do! You might not meet 100% of the skills listed in a description, but we are committed to hiring people with exceptional talent, ability and potential, and then creating an environment where they can become the best versions of themselves. We don't want to miss out on the possibility of speaking with the next outstanding Ulteig team members, so please apply if you think this role is a great match for your unique skills and strengths. And, yes, relevant military experience is absolutely considered for transitioning service members.

What You Can Expect from Ulteig

Ulteig is a purpose-driven organization that has built a culture focused on people, both our clients and our employees, for over 80 years. Working at Ulteig is more than a job, opening opportunities to make an impact by creating and solving for a sustainable future. We recognize our success relies heavily on the dedication and focus of our workforce; this is why we make investing in our employees a top priority. We prioritize flexibility and staying connected to meeting your needs and help you achieve your goals. We value your unique perspective, respect your individuality, and celebrate your contributions. At Ulteig, we take our success and the success of our clients personally.

We offer our team members:

• Flexible Workplace
• Employee Ownership
• Competitive Pay
• Comprehensive Benefits Package
• Collaborative Environment
• Innovative Culture

Our vision is to be the most trusted partners transforming our world's critical infrastructure. Ulteig connects people and resources to develop compelling, integrated solutions across multiple Lifeline Sectors, including Power, Renewables, Transportation and Water. Ulteig is a trusted partner in engineering North America's essential infrastructure and leverages its expertise with a wide range of public and private clients.

At Ulteig, we care deeply about our team, listening to their needs and ensuring they have the tools necessary to be productive, whether they choose to work remotely, hybrid, or in the office. Regardless of where you work, you are empowered to build a workday that best suits your strengths. We strive to ensure a balance and separation between home and work life. We support a flexible working schedule, so employees are able to focus on what's important to them.

If you would like to be a part of a company that empowers their employees, apply today!

Ulteig is a Drug-Free Workplace

ACHIEVE | GROW | COLLABORATE

Additional Opportunity Details:
Target Base Compensation Range for this role is $32.25 - $43.75
* Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary include your job-specific skills, education, training, job location, number of years of experience related to this role, and comparison to other employees already in this role.

This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 days and will continue to be posted for an average of 60 days until a qualified applicant is selected or the position has been cancelled.

Notice to Recruiters and Staffing Agencies: To protect the interests of all parties, Ulteig Engineers, Inc., will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate or an approved vendor that has a written and signed agreement in place with Ulteig. Please do not contact or forward resumes to our company employees or locations. Any unsolicited resumes will be considered Ulteig property. Ulteig is not responsible for any charges or fees related to unsolicited resumes.