DIANNA THOMASON

Highly effective HR/Finance professional with 25+ years of experience establishing and forming solid relationships with internal and external stakeholders, strategically designing performance management programs, diversity and inclusion initiatives, training and development, compensation, and benefit plans, and implementing solid HR/Payroll planning strategies to meet company needs and align with organizational vision. Results-driven, disciplined professional with demonstrated success in impacting the visibility, profitability, and operational performance of public and private companies. Highly organized, self-starter with an excellent track record of delivering strong revenue and profits.

• APA – American Payroll Association
• SHRM – Society Human Resource Management
• GPA – Global Payroll Association
• HCI – Human Capital Institute

• ADP Vantage
• ADP GlobalView
• ADP PayForce
• ADP EV5
• ADP Workforce Now
• ADP Pay@Work
• ADP Streamline
• ADP eTime
• Bamboo HR/Payroll
• Ceridian HPL/ Dayforce
• ICims
• ISolved
• JDA (Workforce Management)
• Kronos Dimensions
• Papaya Global
• Paylocity
• Paychex
• SuccessFactors
• UKG – Ultimate Software
• WinTeam
• Workday

• Created, streamlined, and implemented payroll policies, process mapping and controls, and SOPs to disband manual manipulation and identify fraud, non-compliance of FLSA, Wage & Hour, Sarbanes-Oxley, resulted in $900K cost savings.
• Spearheaded $2.2MM cost savings initiative within HR/Payroll department that examined potential profits versus cost expenditures for expatriate programs, employer taxation, and contract negotiation for union membership, DOL charges, and unemployment claims.
• Key leader in the construction of a benefit and compensation strategy that fostered a ROI of $5MM+ over a three-year period which lessened the richness of the benefit plans, reduced excise tax, incorporated a high deductible health care plan and a work-fit program to increase profit margin and reduce overall claims experiences and rates.
• Identified costs savings initiatives in collaboration with Mercer which improved financial statements with reduction of defined benefit pension plans. Realized $3MM+ over a three-year period due to the frozen market rates.
• Examined process improvement strategies to ensure control measures, data integrity and compliance were forefront of the day-to-day business model. Recouped $170K in embezzled monies and established key controls in HR/Payroll departments.

• Payroll Consultant, SunTrust Bank, 01/01/16, 12/31/16
• Independent Payroll Consultant, The Weather Channel, 01/01/13, 12/31/14
• Independent HR Consultant, NCR, Duluth, Georgia, 01/01/12, 12/31/12
• Human Resources/Payroll Manager, Coral Therapeutics, Alpharetta, Georgia, 01/01/96, 12/31/99

• Sr. Payroll Consultant - Various, Various, 05/01/24, 03/31/25, Directly managed, oversaw, and provided strategic direction for all weekly, bi-weekly, and semi-monthly, weekly (union & non-union) for over 20,000 multi-state, hourly and salaried employees., Developed and executed process mapping for payroll operations utilizing Workday/ADP WFN., Collaborated with Finance, HR, Employee Service Center to support service of excellence model., Optimized payroll processes, direct change management and ensured proper alignment for internal controls and accuracy., Conducted audits to support data quality and help mitigate risks and errors utilizing the DMAIC methodology., Applied the Six Sigma & Lean principles in preparation of data system integration for purposes of supporting process improvements and efficiency., Developed standard operating procedures to support business model for consistency, reliability, compliance, and risk management., Partnered with C-suite executives to help outline a strategic plan for team building and collaboration between departments., Implemented Operational efficiency, optimization and process flows and mapping of HCM, T&A systems.
• Director of Payroll, Argenbright Holdings/Velociti Services, 11/01/21, 12/31/23, Built, oversaw and managed all payroll functions for a start-up organization with over 3,000 employees in multi-state jurisdictions for salaried and non-exempt populations in 40+ states on weekly union, bi-weekly, and semi-monthly pay cycles as well as CBAs, benefit changes, and deferred compensation elections with a 7/1 go live., Supervised team of five for timely execution of deliverables, managed performance to meet operational efficiency targets., Analyzed and reported overages for pre-determined cost center budgets by benchmarking trends., Directed continuous improvements methods by creating and implementing the RACI matrix and methodology to optimize efficiency and provide world class service and servant leadership for internal and external stakeholders., Managed vendor activities and relationships to execute SLAs and new and existing contractual agreements for vendor pricing, product and service negotiations., Demonstrated leadership building internal relationships and partnering with domestic and international cross functional teams for solid execution and management of company initiatives., Implemented cost and audit controls to comply with SOX, analyzed data and trends for accuracy and delivery of payroll processing., Developed KPIs and examined trends and payroll processing data to identify training needs., Administered ongoing system set-up and configuration for automation and optimization of payroll and HR functions., Implemented ERP system for go live (ADP in conjunction with WinTeam & Workday)., Partnered with VP of PNC and brokers to implement deferred and non-deferred plans and administer benefits., Initiated and directed vendor set-up (State Tax Solutions) for business tax registrations, SUI, SDI, Sales/Use and family and medical leave., Directed and partnered with ADP for execution of wage payment, garnishment, WOTC, tax filing and deposit services., Initiated roll out of wage and employment verifications and Work number in collaboration with Equifax., Spearheaded the O/E event in tandem with Benefits First to implement APIs for transmission of demographic and eligibility files., Gathered and audited empirical data of successor for continued healthcare coverage with 7/1 go live date., Collected, reviewed, implemented, and configured pay and grandfathered policies per the 19 CBAs along with benefit accruals., Created and set-up earning and deduction codes ensuring proper G/L mapping for payroll processing and reporting., Authored department goals, team objectives, SOPs, Job Aids, procedural tasks, job shadowing and cross training functions.
• Workday Payroll Consultant, Post Go Live, Greene Tweed & Co. via Robert Half, 04/01/21, 10/31/21, Developed SOPs and procedural tasks. Researched, analyzed, and implemented key strategies for payroll processing., Guided team to identify root causes, resolutions, and process Workday process refinements to prevent and eliminate repetitive errors., Drove efficiencies of payroll related reporting to assist with organizational needs; developed payroll metrics to track productivity and performance., Configured benefit, earning and deduction codes utilizing SBX for Workday testing, and set-up State business registrations for withholding., Created advanced reporting with appropriate scheduling for delivery of reports to team., Completed end to end payroll processing, along with ad hoc on Demand payments., Utilized EIB for mass integration of employee Masterfile records including processing bonus pays, commissions and severance payments, overriding taxable wages and taxes to ensure year-end accuracy, creating EIB templates to upload mass changes such previous quarterly employee tax withholding, and launched all EIBs after verifying data accuracy., Updated benefit accruals upon receipt of medical premiums for those on LOA., Examined all settlement runs to ensure accuracy and efficiency of reported time., Reviewed and audited payroll activity in connection with ADP process flows for payroll reporting of 941s, SODs, W2s, and garnishments to ensure timeliness and accuracy of reporting to taxing authorities., Partnered with HR to develop and implement merit and bonus plans, leave of absence plans and workflow notifications for job changes.
• Director Human Resources (Consultant), Bader Scott Personal Injury, LLC, Atlanta, GA, 11/01/20, 01/31/21, Provided constructive and timely performance evaluations, administered all discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy., Developed long-term strategies and key initiatives to promote and foster an engaged workforce, increasing employee morale and retention rates., Bridged management and employee relations by addressing salary demands, grievances, or other complex issues., Collaborated with management to train on best practices for compliance with employment laws and other employment regulatory requirements such as ERISA, EEO, HIPPA, FMLA, OSHA, and Workplace Safety., Oversaw and executed routine tasks in delicate circumstances such as providing reasonable accommodations, investigating allegations of wrongdoing, and terminations., Managed the talent acquisition process, which included recruitment, interviewing, and hiring of qualified job applicants, particularly for managerial, exempt, and professional roles; partnered with departmental managers to understand skills and competencies required for openings., Created salary and compensation structure, job design, job analysis and job creation based upon benchmarking of competitors., Reviewed, wrote and revised HR policies and procedures, and SOPs., Constructed job requisition and process flowchart to ensure appropriate approvals for new job openings and back-fills., Partnered with CFO to forecast and budget each department, identified future headcount, ER costs and expenditures., Advised management on minor corrective actions, terminations and conduct investigations as required., Analyzed trends in compensation and benefits; researched and proposed competitive base and incentive pay programs to ensure the organization attracts and retains top talent.
• Global Payroll Manager, Paradies Lagadere, Atlanta, Georgia, 11/01/16, 09/30/20, Ensured compliance for payroll and human resource operations for U.S., Canada and the Islands for 10,000 employees., Mitigated and investigated risk proactively while maintaining effective internal controls for department while enhancing controls when necessary to drive risk reduction., Provided operational and strategic oversight of payroll services for U.S. & Canada while ensuring an effective governance of policies and procedures., Led data integrations/M&A activity for Vino Volo and HBF, LS Travel Retail North America and joint ventures., Migrated employee master data from Workday to UltiPro., Configured payroll and HR modules, testing via the Workday sandbox for two years prior to data migration to UltiPro., Designed pay policies for regular hourly employees and unionized groups., Maintained payroll system, data management, data migration and data flow of information used for payroll processing, journal entry and tax administration., Oversaw Canadian tax requirements to the Canada Revenue Agency, WSIB reporting for Ontario, and Canadian employment laws regarding overtime, statutory and civic holidays., Project leader for WFM, HCM and T&A system, consisted of UAT, parallel testing, system configuration for pay policy set-ups., RACI matrix to identify process flows, charting, key activities, decision points, and project management responsibilities., Partnered with vendors to ensure SLAs were enforced, continuously improved all areas of timekeeping, regulatory reporting, and GL Accounting., Created Standard Operating Procedures so that documentation adheres to payroll and HR process controls., Partnered with Finance/Treasury to identify payroll productivity assessing budget allocations and cost control., Completed withholding tax notices for U.S., rate changes, business registrations for SUI and State, resolved all disputes from local, state, and federal agencies, state and federal reporting., Standardized pay structures, payroll cycles, and reporting., Administered performance management, coaching, re-alignment of job roles and responsibilities for six staff members., In 2016 conducted hands-on payroll activity for proper migration of employee data for LS Travel Retail N.A. from ADP, Workday, Cybershift, Kronos and Workforce Now to UltiPro for 2018 go live.
• Payroll Manager/HR, Scientific Games, Inc., Alpharetta, Georgia, 12/01/14, 04/30/16, Oversight of payroll operations for over 5,000 employees., Collaborated with HR Business Partners, Finance, and Leadership Team to develop strategies that promoted a shared service model on a global spectrum., Benchmarked HR/Payroll systems and conducted cost savings analysis to increase productivity, streamline manual processes, ensure compliance, and implement six sigma methodology., Identified and implemented compliance initiatives to monitor risks, liability, control measures, auditing, protocols, data integrity between the transfer of information among systems, proxies, accountability, contracts, SLAs., Built dashboard, RACI matrix to identify process flows, charting, key activities, decision points., Developed and provided ongoing coaching of direct reports for career development and alignment with succession planning., Ensured collective bargaining agreements were followed for terminations, layoffs, initiating performance, benefits/compensation, recalls, and company payouts for Williams Electronics., Worked with internal and external auditors to align processes with company policies, SOX, GAAP, SAS70, ERISA, EEO, FLSA and comply with State, Local and Federal guidelines., Reviewed quarterly reporting to assess cost expenditures for global processing (ADP Streamline), liaised with global stakeholders to ensure intercompany cross back charges were processed and accruals were set for future expenditures., Analyzed and ensured audit tools and practices were performed to identify data integrity issues., Constructed business processes for ADP and HCM Peoplesoft HR/Payroll procedures., Partnered with IT to identify and resolve technical issues impacting people services data integration., Created and maintained technical documents, SOPs, and procedural steps for the systems of record., Provided support, training, tools, and techniques to assist staff in achieving goals and standards., Served as the subject matter expert and primary point of contact for employees, management regarding all HRIS issues.
• Global Payroll Manager /HR, UCB Pharma, Inc., Marietta, Georgia, 10/01/12, 09/30/14, Drove cross-functional collaboration with Compensation, Accounting, Deloitte, Global Mobility, Computershare, and Fidelity for Stock Administration (ESPP, Stock Awards, Stock Options, RSU’s, SAR’s)., Partnered with TROWE Price to identify eligible employees for purposes of awarding profit sharing to employees., Hands-on payroll processing for 5,000 salary and hourly U.S. & Canada employees., Partnered with local unions to ensure CBAs were adhered to with regards to pay policies and procedures., Balanced payroll identified payroll trends and implemented measures to maintain a less than 1% payroll variance., Reviewed test scripts to determine reasonability, UAT and Acceptance testing., Directed the performance of processes, measuring/capturing and using clearly defined KPIs., Established objectives examined performance evaluations, and aligned competencies with employee development strategy for performance plans., Maintained compliance with EEO, ADA, OSHA, HIPPA, FMLA, ERISA, and COBRA., Offered recommendations and guidance in process development, skills assessment, gap analysis, training needs analysis and implementation and evaluation., Partnered with HR, International Mobility Team and Finance colleagues regarding domestic international HR, payroll or benefit issues, accruals and executed agreed upon solutions., Developed and coordinated administrative policies, procedures, and standards to ensure department-wide consistency, accuracy, and efficiency in business practices: procedures, workflow, standardization, reporting needs, record management, compliance, fraud detection., Designed methodology to measure and track the effectiveness of recruiting systems and programs., Purview over sourcing, communication, budgeting, recruiting in part of the workforce planning methodology., Partnered and supported the planning and implementation of management and employee development via the ASTD model and HBDI assessment to identify and align core competencies within job role., Analyzed data and analytics and advised managers to address employee performance with best course of action.
• Sr. Human Resources Professional/Generalist, British Telecomm, Atlanta, GA, 07/01/99, 05/31/12, U.S./International Payroll Manager., Reconciled wage and tax registers, quarterly payroll balancing. Supervised three employees and conducted performance evaluations and project delegation for EEO Reporting and 401K discrimination testing., Spearheaded multi-state payroll processing for over 10,000 employees utilizing SAP and ADP system., Oversaw business registration for company subsidiaries, payroll transition, parallel testing, validation and system implementation., Responsible for payroll configuration module for ADP regarding policy rules, state and federal guidelines (i.e., overtime rules)., Revamped policy and procedural training manuals to ensure effectiveness and efficiency of training programs., Implemented Peoplesoft HR/Payroll system, parallel testing, reviewing test scripts, user testing., Authored and analyzed job requirements relative to international assignments for US inbound and outbound employees., Partnered with Deloitte to identify and facilitate assignment/contractual agreements for tax preparation., Prepared accurate reporting of taxable and/or foreign compensation for expatriates in required countries., Managed data integrity, internal audit and compliance methods., Improved financial objectives by analyzing industry benchmarks on compensation trends and costs for expatriate programs., Ensured employment contracts and bargaining agreements adhered to the EMEA, ASIA PAC and LATAM countries (Mexico, Brazil, Uruguay, China, Europe, Africa)., Hands-on payroll processing for over 10,000 employees for exempt, non-exempt, unionized employees in U.S. and abroad.

• In progress