Payroll Operations Leader with Compliance Focus
Resume:
Melissa Davis
Payroll Supervisor
Cincinnati, Ohio
************@*****.***
WORK EXPERIENCE
PAYROLL SUPERVISOR
Kao USA Inc April 2025 – Present
Lead and oversee endtoend U.S. payroll operations for hourly and salaried employees, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across multiple pay groups.
Direct, support, and supervise payroll staff during each payroll cycle, setting clear expectations, providing daytoday guidance, and reviewing work for accuracy and compliance.
Serve as the payroll subject matter expert, providing escalation support and guidance on payroll processes, payroll tax regulations, and compliance requirements.
Manage payroll tax reconciliation and reporting, including quarterly and yearend activities such as W2 balancing, tax adjustments, and audit support.
Oversee payroll controls and conduct regular internal audits, including benefits and 401(k) match reviews, ensuring SOX and internal compliance standards are met.
Partner crossfunctionally with HRIS, Total Rewards, Benefits, and Finance to implement system updates, resolve complex payroll issues, and improve process efficiency.
Review and approve payroll calculations including overtime, shift differentials, bonuses, commissions, severance, and leaverelated payments prior to final processing.
Maintain and enhance payroll policies, procedures, and documentation to support consistency, crosstraining, and operational continuity.
Monitor regulatory and legislative changes, assess impact, and make compliance recommendations to leadership.
Provide operational oversight and backup to ensure continuity of payroll operations and risk mitigation.
MANAGER, PAYROLL
Western & Southern Life Insurance October 2023 – April 2025
Led and developed a highperforming payroll team of three, including a Payroll Team Lead and two Senior Payroll Specialists.
Successfully processed 11 biweekly payrolls, 9 monthly payrolls, and 6 quarterly payrolls for more than 5,000 employees and pensioners.
Led a major payroll system transition within ADP, migrating from EV5 to EV6 with minimal disruption and improved functionality.
Oversaw recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, and training of payroll staff to maintain a skilled and knowledgeable team.
Managed quarterly and yearend tax processes, including multilocation tax adjustments and compliance filings.
Balanced and reconciled General Ledger payroll accounts to ensure financial accuracy and integrity.
Designed and implemented a skills assessment and scorecard to measure performance, increase accountability, and support continuous improvement.
Conducted regular oneonones and delivered semiannual and annual performance reviews.
Improved payroll processes using OPEx, PIRL, and DMAIC methodologies.
Promoted ongoing professional development, including CPP certification initiatives and quarterly training goals.
REGIONAL PAYROLL MANAGER
Help Plumbing Heating Cooling & Electric / Service Champions October 2018 – October 2023
Managed payroll operations for nine locations across OH, CO, NV, WA, and WI, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant payroll processing.
Oversaw U.S. payroll operations endtoend, including complex and routine payroll cycles.
Managed vendor relationships, service level agreements, and payroll process efficiencies.
Led payroll reporting for equity, stock options, benefits, and imputed income.
Partnered with Accounting and Compensation teams to ensure accurate payroll reporting and analysis.
Managed quarterly and yearend tax processes, including tax adjustments and compliance activities.
Led payroll integrations for mergers and acquisitions, evaluating acquired company payroll structures and ensuring postmerger success.
Successfully implemented ADP Workforce Now for five acquired locations and planned additional implementations.
Documented payroll procedures and drove ongoing process improvements.
Supported monthend close and reconciliations, including payroll and benefits invoices.
Oversaw compliance activities, remittances, annual audits, and preparation of Forms 5500 for 401(k) and defined benefit plans.
PAYROLL & BENEFITS MANAGER
Help Plumbing Heating Cooling & Electric
Supported the HR Director with recruiting, onboarding, and newhire orientation.
Administered employee benefits programs including medical, dental, life, disability, and 401(k).
Managed open enrollment planning, system setup, and employee education.
Maintained payroll records, exemptions, deductions, department transfers, and benefits changes.
Prepared payroll and benefits reports and updated payroll GL entries.
Maintained payroll policies and procedures and stayed current on legislative and industry updates.
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Hondros College – Certified Career Coach
AIB – Accounting
SHRM Certification (In Progress)
PPC (In Progress)
CORE COMPETENCIES
Payroll Leadership & Team Development
MultiState Payroll Compliance
Payroll Systems & Process Improvement
oWorkday, ADP, Paycor, Paychex, Paycom
Payroll Tax & Audit Management
CrossFunctional Collaboration
Analytical & ProblemSolving Skills
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