George Leaver
Auburn Hills,MI
Summary
Knowledgeable Payroll and Human Resources leader with proven history of leading high-performing teams and executing strategic initiatives that drive organizational growth. Successfully directed cross-functional projects that resulted in significant process improvements and operational efficiencies. Demonstrated leadership and communication skills in fostering collaborative environments and delivering impactful results.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Payroll Director & HR System Admin
Oakland University
Rochester, MI
12.2014 - Current
- Oversee the preparation, documentation, and disbursement of wages, including oversight of time tracking, payroll inputs, tax liabilities, deductions/contributions, and payroll costing for all university employees.
- Identify, test, approve and implement computer program changes and enhancements. Document Banner system procedures and update documentation as changes and enhancements occur.
- Manage tax filings and year-end submissions, including 1042’s, 1095’s, 1099 R’s, and W2’s for more than 6000 full and part-time staff.
- Provide leadership and security access to payroll system
- Oversee the reconciliation of fund ledgers for benefit ledger accounts, payroll withholding and clearing accounts, ensure accurate payment and reporting to employee benefit vendors.
- Maintain system integrity and balanced control totals for Oakland University.
- Represent Payroll system on university-wide committees.
- Monitor regulatory requirements and recommend modifications to existing university policies and guidelines to ensure the payroll function is in compliance including making determinations regarding applicable wage and hour laws.
- Directed cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and drive project success.
- Led strategic planning initiatives to align organizational goals with market trends.
- Oversaw budget management, ensuring resource allocation aligned with strategic objectives.
- Fostered stakeholder relationships to support collaborative decision-making processes.
- Spearheaded organizational change initiatives to improve service delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Implemented performance metrics to evaluate progress and inform strategic adjustments.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
- Increased company revenue by streamlining processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
Senior Project Manager
Paychex
07.2001 - 11.2014
- Managed a portfolio of complex initiatives that spanned one or multiple lines of business
- Provided on-site leadership for project team by building and motivating team members to meet project goals, adhering to their responsibilities and project milestones
- Reported on project success criteria results, metrics, test and deployment management activities to all relevant stakeholders
- Worked creatively and analytically in a problem-solving environment demonstrating teamwork, innovation and excellence
- Participated in establishing practices, templates, policies, tools and partnerships to expand and mature these capabilities for the organization
- Prepared estimates and detailed project plan for all phases of the project
- Procured adequate resources to achieve project objectives in planned timeframes
- Managed the day-to-day project activities and resources and chaired the project management team meetings
- Monitored staff performance and completed performance reviews
- Delivered appropriate and effective executive level communication
- Ensured that projects and programs were proceeding according to scope, schedule, budget and quality standards
- Managed project and program issues and risks to mitigate impact to baseline
Education
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation -
Master of Science (MS) - Finance
Walsh College of Accountancy and Business Administration
01.2005
Bachelor of Science (BS) - undefined
University of Evansville
Evansville, IN01.1994
Skills
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- Project management
- Strategies and goals
- Rules and regulations
- Charismatic leader
- Legal and regulatory compliance
- Financial management
- Partnerships and alliances
- Human resources management
Accomplishments
- Project lead with cross-functional team of 12 employees in the implementation of employer requirements for Michigan ESTA.
- Project lead with cross functional team of 20 employees in the consolidation of retirement recordkeeping in support of the University's 403B and 457B plans.
- Project lead in the rollout of a coordinated work share program with the State of Michigan that generated 6.2 million in cost savings.
- Project lead for multiple vendor conversions to support Benefits administration.
- Documented and resolved benefits reconciliation cost savings measures which led to annual savings of more than $75,000
- Achieved [Result] by introducing [Software] for [Type] tasks.
Certification
CPP - Certified Payroll Professional
Timeline
Payroll Director & HR System Admin
Oakland University
12.2014 - Current
Senior Project Manager
Paychex
07.2001 - 11.2014
Master of Science (MS) - Finance
Walsh College of Accountancy and Business Administration
Bachelor of Science (BS) - undefined
University of Evansville