The LAT Payroll Cluster Lead is responsible for the operational execution and day-to-day administration of LAT payroll processing. This role ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll delivery across assigned the selected LAT pay groups while acting as the primary escalation point for complex operational issues. The Cluster Lead focuses on execution excellence, issue resolution, and adherence to defined controls, processes, and service levels.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, HR, or equivalent experience.
• 5–8+ years of LAT payroll experience, including multi-state payroll processing.
• Strong working knowledge of LAT payroll tax, wage and hour laws, and payroll calculations.
• Experience working with payroll systems and outsourced payroll providers.
• Proven ability to manage complex payroll scenarios and tight deadlines.

Preferred

• Certified Payroll Professional or in progress.
• Experience in a shared services, clustered, or matrixed payroll operating model.

Key Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and operational discipline.
• Practical problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills.
• Clear, professional communication with internal stakeholders.
• Ability to operate effectively under defined controls and governance.
• Collaborative, service-oriented mindset.

Success Measures

• Accurate and on-time LAT payroll execution within assigned cluster.
• Low error rates and timely resolution of payroll discrepancies.
• Strong audit readiness and control compliance.
• Positive feedback from employees and internal partners.

Payroll Processing & Execution

• Execute end-to-end LAT payroll processing for assigned payroll clusters, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance. Manage payroll inputs, validations, audits, reconciliations, and approvals in line with established payroll calendars and controls. Process complex payroll transactions including bonuses, retro payments, terminations, off-cycle runs, and corrections. Ensure payroll data integrity across HRIS, timekeeping, benefits, and payroll systems.

Compliance & Controls

• Apply country, state, and local payroll regulations accurately within payroll processing. Execute payroll controls, reconciliations, and documentation required for SOX and internal audits. Identify payroll discrepancies, conduct root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions within the cluster. Escalate material risks or compliance concerns to the Payroll Manager with clear impact assessments.

Issue Resolution & Employee Support

• Act as the primary escalation point for complex payroll inquiries within the LAT payroll cluster. Partner with HR, People Operations, and Finance to resolve payroll-related issues efficiently. Ensure timely resolution of cases in accordance with service level expectations.

Vendor & Partner Coordination

• Coordinate with payroll vendors and tax providers on operational matters, file corrections, and adjustments. Monitor vendor outputs for accuracy and completeness, flag systemic issues for manager review.

Team Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing

• Provide guidance, coaching, and functional support to payroll specialists within the cluster (without formal people management accountability). Support knowledge transfer, cross-training, and adherence to standard operating procedures. Maintain accurate payroll documentation, job aids, and process updates.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve payroll accuracy, efficiency, and employee experience within U.S. payroll operations. Participate in payroll projects, enhancements, and system changes as assigned by the Payroll Manager.