POSITION DESCRIPTION

THE COMPANY

Onward Energy is an independent power platform that owns and operates over 7 GW of utility-scale wind, solar and natural gas generation projects across the U.S. Our Vision is to reliably power a sustainable future. Our Mission is that as North America’s premier independent power generator, we will deliver renewable and reliable power to our customers, opportunities to our associates, sustainable returns to the families who invest in us, and a better world to the next generation. Corporate Offices in Denver, New York and Charlotte, we are where renewable meets reliable. See www.onwardenergy.com for more information.

THE CHALLENGE

Onward Energy is seeking a Payroll Lead to oversee payroll operations and drive continuous improvement across the function. This individual will bring strong technical expertise to implement best practices, lead system and process enhancements, and increase overall efficiency. The role will serve as a trusted advisor to business leaders, ensuring the delivery of accurate, timely, and compliant payroll data.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads the organization's payroll function to ensure payroll operations are conducted accurately and timely.
• Ensure payroll services are processed in accordance with established policies and procedures along with compliance with federal, state, and local payroll wage and hour laws, and best practices.
• Establishes and maintains departmental policies, practices, and procedures.
• Implement, maintain, and review payroll processing systems to ensure accurate processing of payroll transactions including wages, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions using Workday.
• Continuously evaluates and improves payroll processes to drive efficiency, reduce manual effort, and enhance overall service delivery.
• Collaborates cross-functionally with Accounting/Finance/Treasury, Operations, and HR to ensure accurate data flow, effective communication, and timely funding of payroll and related expenses.
• Ensures payroll and related tax reporting are processed accurately and on schedule for all pay periods, month-end, quarter-end, and year-end reconciliations.
• Regularly reviews and audits payroll tax withholding and multi-jurisdiction tax setups for accuracy and compliance.
• Assists with audits and compliance testing by supplying documentation and records for accounting/finance, 401(k), and Workers’ Compensation as needed.
• Carries out other related responsibilities as necessary to achieve departmental objectives.

THE PROFILE TO SUCCEED

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business Management, Finance, Human Resources, or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification preferred.
• Minimum (8+) years of experience in full-cycle payroll management of Exempt and Non-Exempt workforce, and experience with multi-state and jurisdictional (20+) payroll processing.
• Extensive knowledge of payroll function, including preparation, processing, balancing, payroll accounting, payroll reporting, payroll taxes, and internal controls development, utilizing Workday.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS/Payroll software applications (Workday, Paylocity, ADP, Paycor, etc.).
• Experience with leading/project management of HRIS/Payroll enterprise-wide solution implementations.
• Ability to think through payroll processes and propose technological solutions to save time, improve controls and improve service quality.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills including the ability to communicate clearly with all levels within the organization.
• Apply strong analytical and organizational abilities to solve problems and produce precise, detail-oriented results
• Maintains a customer-service mindset, prioritizing responsiveness, accuracy, and support.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a cross-functional team.

THE PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be able to accomplish physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Ability to perform essential job functions, including effective communication and visual tasks, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 15 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to travel up to 10%, as needed to support business operations.

THE TEAM

Onward Energy is comprised of industry professionals who embrace collaboration, dedication, and hard work while also being down to earth. At Onward Energy, we seek to find solutions rather than assign blame.

THE WORK ENVIRONMENT

Onward Energy is currently implementing a hybrid office environment, with team members in the office at least three days per week. The position functions in a smoke and vape-free professional office environment. The role routinely utilizes standard office equipment such as a laptop computer, phone, and scanner/photocopier.

THE TOTAL REWARDS

Onward Energy total rewards philosophy is motivated by a key tenet of People First and offers employees a comprehensive total rewards package which includes market competitive compensation, health insurance, life insurance, and retirement savings benefits.

If you require an accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a disability to Recruiting@onwardenergy.com.

EEO STATEMENT:

Onward Energy is an Affirmative Action Employer, Females/Minority/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.