General Motors

Senior Payroll Lead

General Motors • $100K — $120K *
Warren, MI 48089Hybrid
Finance & Insurance
5 - 7 years of experience
Reposted 4 days ago
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree required
  • 5+ years of payroll experience
  • Previous Payroll Tax or Executive/global mobility expertise
  • Strong project leadership and independent working capacity
  • Advanced written and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent interpersonal and team collaboration abilities
  • In-depth knowledge of Corporate Executive personnel policies
  • Ability to multitask and work under pressure
  • Comprehensive understanding of payroll systems and processes

Responsibilities

  • Oversee and implement Executive payroll activities
  • Manage vendor relationships for executive payroll
  • Lead corporate tax initiatives related to payroll
  • Ensure compliance with tax regulations for executive payroll
  • Maintain strong relationships with third-party vendors
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external partners for results
  • Identify and lead process improvements
  • Analyze and present data for management decisions

Benefits

  • Hybrid work model with reporting to Global HQ
  • Opportunity to lead significant projects
  • Development of strategic initiatives in payroll
  • Competitive exposure to advanced payroll systems and tools
  • Engagement with multifaceted stakeholders across the organization
Full Job Description

Job Description

This role is responsible for providing strategic oversight and governance of U.S. and global executive payroll activities, with a strong focus on payroll tax compliance, vendor performance, operational controls, and continuous improvement. The Senior Payroll Lead serves as a senior payroll representative in multifunctional work groups and exercises independent judgment on complex, high-impact matters. This role provides direction and oversight rather than focusing solely on day-to-day processing, ensuring that payroll activities, third-party services, tax obligations, and related initiatives are executed accurately, consistently, and in alignment with GM policies and applicable regulations.

The successful candidate will oversee executive payroll-related activities and vendor relationships, guide the implementation of corporate payroll tax initiatives, and provide governance across multiple payroll processes and jurisdictions. They will collaborate with Tax, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, vendors, and other business partners to identify risks, resolve complex issues, support strategic decisions, and achieve desired business results.



Responsibilities

  • Provide oversight and governance for U.S. and global executive payroll activities, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant execution.

  • Perform payroll tax compliance activities related to executive processing, including federal, state, and local requirements.

  • Own the process for W-2 reconciliations and company tax tie-outs, ensuring variances are identified, researched, resolved, and appropriately documented.

  • Audit wages and tax implications of employees working, transferring, or being paid across multiple jurisdictions.

  • Maintain effective working relationships across multiple vendors and internal stakeholders, coordinating activities and escalating risks when appropriate.

  • Ensure compliance with internal control requirements, payroll policies, and tax regulations.

  • Review, analyze, verify, and present payroll and tax data to support management decision-making.

  • Provide financial analysis, risk assessment, and decision support to internal and external stakeholders as needed.

  • Proactively identify process improvement opportunities and lead change initiatives that improve accuracy, efficiency, control, and employee experience.

  • Lead or support special projects and global initiatives, including cross-functional implementations and operational readiness activities.

  • Serve as a subject matter expert and escalation point for complex executive payroll, payroll tax, vendor, and jurisdictional matters.

  • Lead project teams and influence outcomes across functions without direct authority when required.



Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.

  • Five or more years of payroll, payroll tax, or global mobility experience.

  • Experience overseeing payroll operations, vendors, compliance activities, or cross-functional initiatives.

  • Experience with W-2 reconciliations and company tax tie-outs.

  • Understanding of the tax implications associated with employees working or being paid in multiple jurisdictions.

  • Ability to exercise independent judgment on complex and sensitive matters.

  • Ability to lead project teams and work independently.

  • Advanced written and verbal communication skills.

  • Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and team-building skills.

  • Strong understanding of corporate executive personnel policies and procedures.

  • Ability to work under pressure and balance multiple priorities and projects.

  • Thorough knowledge of payroll systems and end-to-end payroll business processes.



Preferred Qualifications

  • Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.

  • Experience with stock-based compensation and related payroll and tax considerations.

  • Familiarity with automation and data analysis tools, including Excel and KNIME.

  • Experience supporting executive compensation, global mobility, or complex multi-jurisdiction payroll programs.


Location: Hybrid. This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to the - Global HQ Warren MI three times per week, at minimum [or other frequency dictated by the business]

Relocation: This role is NOT eligible for relocation benefits.

GM DOES NOT PROVIDE IMMIGRATION-RELATED SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS ROLE. DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS ROLE IF YOU WILL NEED GM IMMIGRATION SPONSORSHIP NOW OR IN THE FUTURE. THIS INCLUDES DIRECT COMPANY SPONSORSHIP, ENTRY OF GM AS THE IMMIGRATION EMPLOYER OF RECORD ON A GOVERNMENT FORM, AND ANY WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIRING A WRITTEN SUBMISSION OR OTHER IMMIGRATION SUPPORT FROM THE COMPANY (e.g., H-1B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)

About General Motors

General Motors Company engages in the manufacture and sale of cars and trucks in the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. It offers sedans, crossovers, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, coupes, sports/convertibles and hybrid vehicles, hatchbacks/wagons, and vans, as well as mini cars in India. The company also provides parts and accessories, such as iPod and MP3 compatibility, mobility accessories, performance parts, AC parts and services, and merchandise. In addition, it offers vehicle safety, security, and information services. The company provides used vehicles. It offers its products through dealers and distributors. General Motors Company was formerly known as NGMCO, Inc. and changed its name to General Motors Company in July 2009. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Detroit, Michigan. It operates manufacturing facilities in India, the United States, and Canada. General Motors Company operates as a subsidiary of the United States Department of The Treasury. General Motors led global vehicle sales for 77 consecutive years from 1931 through 2007, longer than any other automaker, and is currently among the world's largest automakers by vehicle unit sales. General Motors acts in most countries outside the USA via wholly-owned subsidiaries but operates in China through 10 joint ventures. GM's OnStar subsidiary provides vehicle safety, security, and information services. In 2009, General Motors shed several brands, closing Saturn, Pontiac, and Hummer, and emerged from a government-backed Chapter 11 reorganization. In 2010, GM made an initial public offering IPOs to date and returned to profitability later that year.

General Motors Careers

Join the dynamic team at General Motors, a global leader in automotive innovation and technology. At General Motors, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career forward while contributing to a legacy of engineering excellence.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career with General Motors to drive the future of mobility. Our team is dedicated to redefining the automotive landscape through innovation and leadership in electric vehicles and sustainable solutions. By joining us, you will be part of a culture that values diversity, teamwork, and continuous professional growth.

Transform Your Career

General Motors is not just a company; it's a community where you can grow your skills alongside the best in the industry. Our leadership is committed to providing every employee—from interns to senior professionals—with opportunities for career advancement, leadership development, and diversity training.

Innovate and Lead

At General Motors, innovation is at the core of everything we do. From research and development to manufacturing, our teams work collaboratively to lead the industry with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. We encourage our employees to think big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Join Our Global Team

As part of our global workforce, you will collaborate with talented individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of transportation. General Motors offers a variety of career paths in engineering, design, IT, marketing, and more. With over 155,000 employees worldwide, our network provides expansive opportunities for networking and professional development.

Internship Programs and Employment Benefits

Start your career journey with a General Motors internship, where you can apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects. Our internships provide a robust foundation in the automotive industry, with mentorship from experienced leaders. Full-time employees enjoy a wealth of benefits, including comprehensive health care, retirement plans, and performance bonuses, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, General Motors offers positions that leverage your unique skills. Our hiring process is designed to identify and nurture talent, focusing on aligning your capabilities with the right opportunities for growth within the company.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. At General Motors, we look for innovative, driven, and solution-oriented team players. Explore the possibilities that await you in a career at General Motors.

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Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities available at General Motors. Embark on a journey of growth, innovation, and leadership at General Motors. Shape your future in an environment that fosters diversity, learning, and the pursuit of excellence. Join us and redefine the roads of tomorrow.
Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ
GM
* Ladders Estimates

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