Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

Michele CLARK

Torrance

Summary

Director-level professional with over 30 years of experience in Payroll, HR, and Benefits across multiple countries including the UK, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the USA. Expertise in managing multi-state tax compliance and executing up to 25 payroll cycles simultaneously. Proven track record in enhancing payroll operations efficiency and accuracy, with strong analytical skills for financial data interpretation. Recognized for successful project management in implementing payroll and HRIS systems, ensuring seamless operations and high employee satisfaction.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Payroll Analyst System Support - Contract

Western National Group
Irvine
04.2025 - Current
  • Managed payroll processing for over 900 employees, ensuring accuracy in wages and deductions.
  • Developed training materials for new hires on vacation and sick time policies.
  • Processed garnishments and bonuses in compliance with federal and state regulations.
  • Reviewed timesheets and tax forms for accuracy prior to payroll submission.
  • Conducted regular audits of payroll records to maintain compliance and accuracy.
  • Resolved payroll inquiries from employees promptly via email, phone, and in person.
  • Implemented process improvements that enhanced efficiency by 20%.
  • Maintained confidential employee records regarding compensation changes and benefits.

Payroll Tax Manager

New Charter Technologies, Inc
Contract Position
08.2024 - 03.2025
  • Identified errors in tax setups for 22 entities within UKG PRO.
  • Managed open cases for notices received, ensuring timely resolutions.
  • Consolidated FEINs from 22 to 1 through a systematic project approach.
  • Developed a living document for state tax accounts and access management.
  • Reconciled tax accounts, identified discrepancies, and recommended best practices for closing unused accounts.
  • Provided best practices to enhance company's Workday implementation.
  • Served as SME for tax matters, obtaining POAs and facilitating a seamless roll-up process.
  • Resolved payroll discrepancies by investigating timekeeping errors and missed punches.

Payroll Manager

MMChr
Beverly Hills
02.2024 - 07.2024
  • Led payroll team of 7, ensuring operational effectiveness and regulatory compliance.
  • Processed payroll for over 400 clients across multiple states and locations.
  • Onboarded clients by importing and balancing historical data to ensure compliance.
  • Trained team members on payroll best practices to maintain industry standards.
  • Managed migration project from UKG PRO to UKG Ready for existing clients.
  • Developed processes to streamline payroll operations and enhance efficiency.
  • Collaborated with HR on issues related to vacation accrual and sick leave tracking.
  • Executed audits of payroll records to identify discrepancies and enhance data integrity.

Senior Payroll Manager

Din Tai Fung Restaurant Group
Arcadia
08.2023 - 10.2023
  • Led payroll team of 6, enhancing operational efficiency across multiple locations.
  • Processed payroll for 17 locations, ensuring timely and accurate compensation.
  • Established onboarding processes for new sites in US and Canada.
  • Trained team on payroll compliance and best practices for regulations.
  • Developed standard operating procedures for payroll processes, standardizing operations.
  • Monitored changes in laws affecting payroll administration, ensuring compliance.
  • Generated detailed reports for data validation, identifying discrepancies in records.
  • Managed relationships with vendors for 401K, GL, and benefits data integration.

Payroll Manager

Ryan Companies US Inc.
Minnesota On Site
11.2020 - 08.2023
  • Supervised payroll team of 6, including Benefits Manager and Payroll Specialists.
  • Streamlined union reporting and management processes to enhance efficiency.
  • Served as subject matter expert for per diems and payroll taxes.
  • Managed year-end processing of W2s and 1095Cs to ensure accuracy and compliance.
  • Conducted monthly payroll account reconciliations to verify accurate employee payments.
  • Implemented policies to ensure adherence to federal and state taxation regulations.
  • Facilitated onboarding for new employees regarding payroll systems and time reporting.
  • Resolved discrepancies between payroll records and timekeeping systems promptly.

Senior Manager, Payroll

Sun Country Airlines
Minneapolis
08.2019 - 10.2020
  • Managed all payroll functions, from initiation to GL reconciliations.
  • Oversaw union reporting and resolved union pay discrepancies.
  • Implemented system upgrade for payroll during COVID to enhance efficiency.
  • Established new payroll processes during COVID, ensuring compliance with federal and state guidelines.
  • Ensured compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures across all business units.
  • Created detailed reports on project progress for senior management review.
  • Collaborated with external vendors to negotiate contracts that met company requirements while minimizing costs.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and increase productivity.
  • Mentored junior staff in the organization's business processes, customer service standards, and quality assurance protocols.
  • Conducted regular performance appraisals for direct reports to provide feedback on their work performance.
  • Established effective communication channels between different departments within the organization.
  • Coordinated with internal departments to ensure successful execution of projects according to timeline and budget constraints.
  • Developed long-term relationships with key stakeholders including customers, suppliers, regulatory bodies.
  • Implemented new technologies such as ERP systems or CRM tools to streamline business processes.
  • Directed cross-functional teams in developing innovative solutions to complex problems.
  • Identified areas of improvement within existing operations through process analysis and benchmarking studies.
  • Implemented process improvements to increase operational efficiency and reduce costs.
  • Facilitated team meetings and workshops to align on goals and strategies.
  • Established and maintained relationships with key stakeholders to support business objectives.
  • Implemented customer service excellence standards to enhance client satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Managed crisis situations, implementing contingency plans to minimize impact on operations.
  • Coordinated with IT department to implement new technologies and systems enhancements.
  • Monitored compliance with industry regulations and company policies to mitigate risk.
  • Developed and implemented strategic business plans to drive growth and profitability.
  • Guided change management initiatives to ensure smooth adoption of new business practices.
  • Interviewed prospective employees and provided input to HR on hiring decisions.
  • Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
  • Reviewed employee performance and provided ongoing feedback and coaching to drive performance improvement.
  • Implemented quality control measures to uphold company standards.
  • Assigned work and monitored performance of project personnel.
  • Planned and delivered training sessions to improve employee effectiveness and address areas of weakness.
  • Held regular one-on-one meetings with employees to review performance and priorities and provide feedback.
  • Recruited and trained new employees to meet job requirements.
  • Reviewed completed work to verify consistency, quality, and conformance.
  • Mediated conflicts between employees and facilitated effective resolutions to disputes.
  • Proposed or approved modifications to project plans.
  • Resolved customer inquiries and complaints requiring management-level escalation.
  • Evaluated individual and team business performance and identified opportunities for improvement.
  • Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
  • Produced thorough, accurate and timely reports of project activities.

Payroll Manager (Contract)

Patterson Companies Inc.
01.2018 - 12.2019
  • Led a team of 4 payroll specialists
  • Partnered with HR in beginning stages of a new HRIS system
  • Successfully processed year end and balancing and issuing W2’s
  • Month End and Quarter End reconciliations and journal entries

Payroll Analyst

Donaldson Companies
01.2018 - 12.2018
  • SME for payroll taxes, multi-state, and expat’s
  • Managed all Union payrolls
  • Processed W2C’s inhouse saving the company $36,000 and received bronze, silver, and gold awards after taking this on only 3 weeks into my employment

Senior Payroll Tax Analyst (Contract)

Buffalo Wild Wings
01.2017 - 12.2018
  • Responsible for all things related to payroll taxes
  • Responsible for account reconciliations and JE’s
  • Responsible for tax registrations and tax filings for multiple FEIN’s

Payroll Manager/Accounts Payable (Contract)

Apex Co. Inc
01.2017 - 12.2017

Payroll Specialist

Supervalu Inc
01.2016 - 12.2017

Human Resources/Payroll Manager

Secoa
01.2015 - 12.2016

Senior Payroll Tax Analyst

Lifetouch
01.2010 - 12.2015

Education

Business Management -

El Camino Comm. College
01.1987

Business Management -

California Baptist University
01.1986

Skills

  • Global Payroll
  • Multi-State
  • Global Benefits
  • Communication
  • Creativity
  • Staff Development
  • Month End/Year End Accounting functions
  • Unions/CBAs/Grievances
  • Prevailing Wage
  • System Implementation
  • Project management
  • Payroll administration
  • Payroll processing
  • Data reconciliation
  • Employee onboarding
  • System implementation
  • Team leadership
  • Process improvement
  • Payroll auditing
  • Tax compliance
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Employee training
  • Timekeeping management
  • Effective communication
  • Problem solving
  • Client relationship management
  • Continuous improvement mindset
  • General ledger
  • Payroll software expertise
  • Year-end processing
  • Garnishments handling
  • Payroll tax filing
  • Employee relations
  • Multi-state payroll
  • Teamwork orientation
  • Benefits administration
  • Labor law compliance
  • Microsoft Excel proficiency
  • Integrated accounting systems
  • Employee file maintenance
  • Daily payroll activities
  • Analytical skills
  • Research support
  • Federal and state tax regulations
  • Payroll policies and procedures
  • Journal entry preparation
  • I-9 documentation
  • Wage garnishments
  • Internal controls
  • Ten-key operator
  • Payroll software proficiency
  • Payroll reviews
  • Data imports
  • Interpersonal and written communication
  • Billing
  • General ledger posting
  • Report preparation
  • Deductions documentation
  • Forecasting
  • Payroll administration experience
  • Garnishment processing
  • New employee processing
  • Meeting deadlines
  • Developing office systems
  • PTO accrual
  • Transaction review
  • Record keeping
  • Processing wage withholding orders
  • Telephone and email etiquette
  • New hire processing
  • Processing garnishments
  • Exceptionally organized
  • Audit support
  • Excellent writing skills
  • Payroll documentation
  • Exceptional Microsoft Excel skills
  • Policy adherence
  • Tax expertise
  • Spreadsheet creation
  • Persuasive communicator
  • Data auditing assistance
  • Office systems management

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Payroll Analyst System Support - Contract

Western National Group
04.2025 - Current

Payroll Tax Manager

New Charter Technologies, Inc
08.2024 - 03.2025

Payroll Manager

MMChr
02.2024 - 07.2024

Senior Payroll Manager

Din Tai Fung Restaurant Group
08.2023 - 10.2023

Payroll Manager

Ryan Companies US Inc.
11.2020 - 08.2023

Senior Manager, Payroll

Sun Country Airlines
08.2019 - 10.2020

Payroll Manager (Contract)

Patterson Companies Inc.
01.2018 - 12.2019

Payroll Analyst

Donaldson Companies
01.2018 - 12.2018

Senior Payroll Tax Analyst (Contract)

Buffalo Wild Wings
01.2017 - 12.2018

Payroll Manager/Accounts Payable (Contract)

Apex Co. Inc
01.2017 - 12.2017

Payroll Specialist

Supervalu Inc
01.2016 - 12.2017

Human Resources/Payroll Manager

Secoa
01.2015 - 12.2016

Senior Payroll Tax Analyst

Lifetouch
01.2010 - 12.2015

Business Management -

El Camino Comm. College

Business Management -

California Baptist University

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Michele CLARK