Lead, Payroll Specialist

Is the opportunity to join a culture where “We Do the Right Thing,” and “We Courageously Shape Our Future Together” important to you? If so, Guardian is seeking a talented and motivated individual to join our team as a Lead, Payroll Specialist.

This role will ensure that all payroll administration and accounting processes are regularly evaluated to be as streamlined and efficient as possible. It will be vital to ensure accuracy and timeliness response to ensure an ideal colleague experience across Guardian businesses.

You will:

• Administer payroll for multiple schedules, ensuring timely and accurate compensation for all employees.

• Maintain payroll controls and procedures to support accuracy and safeguard sensitive information.

• Assist with wage garnishment vendor management, including processing orders and communicating with vendors.

• Streamline payroll processes to improve efficiency and reduce errors.

• Prepare third-party payment requests related to payroll deductions and statutory obligations.

• Collaborate with related departments to resolve payroll issues and support organizational goals.

• Serve as a Tier 3 payroll authority by addressing complex payroll questions and escalations.

• Support accounting functions through accurate payroll reporting and reconciliation.

• Crosstrain payroll staff to ensure team coverage and continuity of operations.

You have:

• Strong proficiency with Workday Payroll module (required). Knowledge of Workday HCM a plus.

• Minimum of 4 years of demonstrated experience in payroll functions.

• Ability to function as a working (hands-on) payroll lead processing payroll, as well as cover for team members in back-up role for vacation and/or high-volume work efforts.

• Strong focus on customer service, working as a supportive escalation expert to the HR Shared Services Center and a valued partner to other COEs and HR Business Partners as required.

• Ability to manage sensitive information, working with internal partners to accomplish objectives without compromising a high threshold for discretion and confidentiality.

• Highly autonomous and self-motivated, demonstrating sound judgment and initiative while keeping others informed as appropriate.

• Time management skills to successfully prioritize multiple projects at a given time.

• Strong skills in Microsoft Office applications, especially MS Word and MS Excel.

• Knowledge of payroll administration, controls, governance, and accounting best practices with established network for keeping current including but not limited to multi-state payroll practices, requirements, and financial/tax implications.

• Understanding of current federal, state, and local regulatory and compliance obligations related to payroll and how to fulfil them in a timely and accurate manner.

Reporting Relationship

This position reports to the Head of Payroll who then reports to the Head of HR Service Delivery.

Location:   

Hybrid role: 3 days in Bethlehem, PA office. 2 days WFH.

Salary Range:

$68,970.00 - $113,310.00

The salary range reflected above is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. The salary for this position ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation.

Our Promise

At Guardian, you’ll have the support and flexibility to achieve your professional and personal goals.  Through skill-building, leadership development and philanthropic opportunities, we provide opportunities to build communities and grow your career, surrounded by diverse colleagues with high ethical standards.

Inspire Well-Being

As part of Guardian’s Purpose – to inspire well-being – we are committed to offering contemporary, supportive, flexible, and inclusive benefits and resources to our colleagues. Explore our company benefits at www.guardianlife.com/careers/corporate/benefits. Benefits apply to full-time eligible employees. Interns are not eligible for most Company benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Guardian is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

Accommodations

Guardian is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Guardian also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants (and employees) to accommodate the individual's known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact MyHR@glic.com. Please note: this resource is for accommodation requests only. For all other inquires related to your application and careers at Guardian, refer to the Guardian Careers site.

Visa Sponsorship

Guardian is not currently or in the foreseeable future sponsoring employment visas. In order to be a successful applicant. you must be legally authorized to work in the United States, without the need for employer sponsorship.

Current Guardian Colleagues: Please apply through the internal Jobs Hub in Workday.