Payroll COE Team Lead

Job Title: Record to Account Payroll COE – Payroll Team Lead

Pay Rate:

$93,400 - $120,000

PL 13

Multiple factors, including Individual experience, skills and abilities will determine where an employee is ultimately placed in the pay range. Variable pay may provide additional opportunities for financial awards. This job is eligible to participate in IP’s annual incentive plan.

Physical Location

The location of successful candidate is flexible.   

Overview:

The Payroll Team Lead will report to the NAC Payroll Manager.  Leads will supervise and ensure Hourly Manufacturing and Salaried Non-Exempt team members are paid timely, accurately, and in accordance with applicable federal and state guidelines governing Gross Pay.  The Lead will supervise a team of 4-5 Specialist assigned to their geographical “district.”  The Lead will document and stay abreast of payroll matters in their geographical district; matters such as paid sick leave (PSL), unionization, union contract ratification and other pay related activities.  Lead will also ensure compliance with state and local laws.  Lead will partner with Regional HR managers to provide requested data as well as analysis to aid in OT management and EE retention efforts.

The Job You Will Perform:

• Lead a team of up to 5 direct reports to ensure timely and accurate submission of time and attendance data from time and attendance systems into SAP.
• Successfully lead the on-going standardization and optimization of time and attendance submission processes to sustain and increase efficiency and accuracy of payroll processing.
• Provide support to the business by ensuring compliance to internal controls and accuracy of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and established accounting and HR policies and procedures.
•  Ensure the team delivers a high level of accuracy, efficiency and customer service to the business in all the routine tasks and any ad-hoc analysis or requests.
• Participate in the hiring and training of personnel as needed.
• Develop direct reports through career competency plans utilizing the HR tools for performance management and capability assessments.
• Manage change to encourage creativity and flexibility in achieving objectives.
• Communicate and help the team manage changes and respond to process improvement opportunities.

Qualifications:

• College degree in Accounting/Finance required with 5+ years of Finance or equivalent Payroll Management experience
• Proficient Microsoft Excel skills.
• Knowledge of SAP financial modules
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to work in a multi-tasking, rapidly changing environment with rigid deadlines.
• Strong desire for continuous process improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate employees to achieve results and work in a fast paced environment.

Core Competencies:

• Business Acumen
• Customer Focus
• Managing and Measuring Work
• Organizing
• Planning
• Priority Setting
• Process Management
• Delegation
• Directing Others
• Informing
• Integrity and Trust
• Motivating Others
• Drive for Results
• Building Effective Teams
• Action Oriented
• Timely Decision Making
• Problem Solving
• Standing Alone
• Managerial Courage

Functional/Technical Skills:

• Experience with Workbrain and or Kronos Payroll System required
• Other time and attendance software experience is a plus
• Knowledge of SAP HR
• Reporting tools such as Power BI or Tableau is a plus

Travel: Out of state travel is required.  Travel is estimated at ~10% but may vary depending on proximity to geographic area of responsibility.  Relocation is not required.

The Benefits You Will Enjoy:

International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans including Medical, Dental, Life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Short-term and Long-term Disability, 401(k), Company-funded retirement contributions, Paid Time Off, Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement), Student Loan Repayment Assistance, and Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets. 

The Impact You Will Make:

We continue to build a better future for people, the planet, and our company! IP has been a good steward of sustainable practices across communities around the world for more than 120 years. Join our team and you’ll see why our team members say they’re Proud to be IP.

The Culture You Will Experience:

International Paper promotes employee well-being by providing safe, caring and inclusive workplaces. We have team members all around the world with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These are our strengths. We are committed to creating a culture where all individuals are respected, valued, engaged and have an opportunity to do their best work every day. We invite you to bring your uniqueness, creativity, talents, experiences, and safety mindset to be a part of our increasingly inclusive and diverse culture.

The Company You Will Join:

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. With company headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) headquarters in London, UK, we employ more than 65,000 team members and serve customers around the world with operations in more than 30 countries. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Net sales for 2024 were $18.6 billion. In 2025, International Paper acquired DS Smith creating an industry leader focused on the attractive and growing North American and EMEA regions. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com