Principal Lead, Payroll Systems Delivery & Optimization

The Principal Lead, Payroll Systems Delivery & Optimization, is the hands‑on 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, problem‑solving, and project execution, and who enjoys working cross‑functionally to deliver scalable, high‑quality 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 cross‑system testing
• Maintain change‑control 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 payroll‑related 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 root‑cause analysis
• Support end‑to‑end payroll processing from a systems perspective, including earnings, deductions, taxes, garnishments, accruals, retro calculations, and year‑end 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 payroll‑related reports, audits, and analytics to support operational and compliance needs

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s 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 change‑control 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