The Payroll Change Management Sr. Lead is responsible for leading the planning, execution, and successful adoption of payroll changes and process improvements. This role requires meticulous documentation of business requirements, extensive collaboration with key stakeholders across HR, Finance, and Technology departments, and the ability to translate complex business needs into precise functional specifications. The Sr. Lead will analyze current processes, recommend opportunities for improvement, and proactively engage in resolving issues with stakeholders to ensure optimal payroll system performance and accuracy. Additionally, this role will provide guidance to Payroll Analysts and Payroll SMEs on new processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Payroll Change Initiatives: Drive the end-to-end change management lifecycle for payroll-related projects, including system upgrades, new module implementations, and process enhancements.
• Business Requirements Documentation: Meticulously document detailed business requirements by engaging with various stakeholders to understand current state processes and desired future state outcomes.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate extensively with key stakeholders across HR, Finance, and Technology departments to ensure alignment, gather input, and manage expectations throughout the change process.
• Functional Specification Translation: Translate complex business needs and requirements into clear, precise, and actionable functional specifications for development and configuration teams.
• Process Analysis and Improvement: Analyze existing payroll processes to identify inefficiencies, gaps, and areas for improvement, recommending innovative solutions to enhance operational effectiveness and accuracy.
• Issue Resolution: Proactively engage with stakeholders to identify, analyze, and resolve issues related to payroll system performance, data accuracy, and process adherence.
• Guidance and Mentorship: Provide expert guidance and training to Payroll Analysts and Payroll Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) on new payroll processes, system functionalities, and best practices.
• Testing and Validation: Oversee and participate in the testing and validation of new payroll systems and processes to ensure they meet documented requirements and regulatory compliance.
• Documentation and Knowledge Transfer: Create and maintain comprehensive documentation, including process flows, user manuals, and training materials.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks associated with payroll changes and develop mitigation strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-10years of experience in payroll operations, payroll systems, or change management with a significant focus on payroll.
• Proven track record of successfully leading change initiatives within a complex organizational structure.
• In-depth knowledge of payroll processes, regulations, and best practices.
• Experience with various payroll systems (e.g., ADP, Workday, SAP, Oracle).

Skills

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with all levels of an organization.
• Advanced ability to document detailed business requirements and functional specifications.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio).

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Job Family Group:

Operations - Services

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Job Family:

Payroll

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Time Type:

Full time

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Primary Location:

Tampa Florida United States

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Primary Location Full Time Salary Range:

$119,680.00 - $179,520.00

In addition to salary, Citi’s offerings may also include, for eligible employees, discretionary and formulaic incentive and retention awards. Citi offers competitive employee benefits, including: medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k); life, accident, and disability insurance; and wellness programs. Citi also offers paid time off packages, including planned time off (vacation), unplanned time off (sick leave), and paid holidays. For additional information regarding Citi employee benefits, please visit citibenefits.com. Available offerings may vary by jurisdiction, job level, and date of hire.

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Most Relevant Skills

Please see the requirements listed above.

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Other Relevant Skills

For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter.

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Anticipated Posting Close Date:

Feb 13, 2026

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Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

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