Principal Lead, Payroll Systems Delivery & Optimization

The Principal Lead Payroll Systems Delivery & Optimization is the handson execution lead for payroll system configuration enhancements testing and project delivery across the ADP Vantage payroll platform. This role is responsible for implementing system changes resolving complex payroll system issues and driving process improvements that enhance accuracy efficiency and data integrity within payroll operations.

Working collaboratively with Payroll HR Finance IT and external vendors this position leads system projects from planning support through deployment executes configuration updates supports payroll processing from a systems perspective and ensures successful delivery of releases integrations and system enhancements. The role also identifies opportunities to streamline workflows automate manual tasks and strengthen the overall performance of payroll technology.

This position is ideal for a payroll systems expert who thrives in configuration problemsolving and project execution and who enjoys working crossfunctionally to deliver scalable highquality payroll technology solutions.

Core Responsibilities

• Project management for payroll system enhancements upgrades integrations and process improvement initiatives including planning coordination and stakeholder communication
• Lead and execute testing cycles for payroll changes (UAT regression parallel testing) and collaborate with the Time & Attendance owner on crosssystem testing
• Maintain changecontrol documentation and support internal audit and SOX requirements
• Develop and maintain technical documentation including configuration specifications process flows and system dependencies
• Monitor ADP release notes patches and system updates; assess impacts coordinate testing and ensure successful deployment of payrollrelated changes.
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert for ADP Vantage payroll modules
• Partner with Payroll Operations to troubleshoot and resolve payroll discrepancies calculation issues integration errors and configuration defects through rootcause analysis
• Support endtoend payroll processing from a systems perspective including earnings deductions taxes garnishments accruals retro calculations and yearend activities
• Support ADP payroll case management escalations and solution validation
• Identify opportunities to streamline payroll processes automate manual tasks and improve system efficiency and data quality
• Ensure payroll system compliance with data security privacy standards and federal state and local payroll regulations
• Ensure data integrity across payroll and HR/time integrations through audits reconciliations and system controls
• Design and deliver payrollrelated reports audits and analytics to support operational and compliance needs

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Information Systems Business HR or related field or equivalent experience
• Strong understanding of payroll processing gross to net calculations taxation and compliance requirements
• 8 years of experience in payroll systems HRIS and / or payroll operations with at least 2 years supporting or configuring enterprise payroll systems
• Hands-on experience configuring and supporting ADP Vantage or similar enterprise payroll platforms
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to diagnose complex payroll/system issues and translate business needs into scalable configuration solutions
• Drive for continuous process improvement and strong customer service orientation
• Proven ability to independently manage and execute HRIS and payroll projects and support cross-functional initiatives including time-related projects
• Strong technical aptitude with system configuration data validation integrations and troubleshooting
• Familiarity with SOX internal controls and audit frameworks including maintaining changecontrol documentation
• Experience working in multi-state and high-volume payroll environments
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to partner effectively with internal teams and vendors

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience configuring and supporting ADP Workforce Suite (Time)
• Advanced ADP reporting and auditing experience
• Experience with system integrations inbound/outbound payroll interfaces and file troubleshooting
• Experience developing and executing structured testing plans (UAT regression parallel payroll testing)
• Project management certification (PMP CAPM or equivalent)
• Ability to work effectively with ambiguity and drive clarity where processes or solutions are not yet defined