Looking for a job

Karon Ward

@karonward

Payroll Manager at WMATA who strengthened controls to achieve zero external audit findings while supporting payroll for 14,000+ employees.

United States

Message

At WMATA, I lead payroll accounting operations for 14,000+ employees, including GL posting, liability reconciliations, and bank reconciliations. I strengthened documentation and controls, achieving zero external audit findings.

At Palladium Group Global, I managed U.S. and international payroll and implemented ADP Streamline for the UK, UAE, and Australia. I also standardized reporting processes, saving finance teams 20+ hours per month.

Earlier at WMATA, I supported payroll for 13,000 employees and automated reconciliations, reducing manual errors by 25%. My work spans payroll accounting, multi-state and international compliance, and ERP/HCM systems.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Payroll Manager

Current

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)

Oct 2022 - Present (4 years 1 month)

Lead payroll accounting operations for 14,000+ employees, ensuring accurate GL posting, reconciliation of 40+ liability accounts, and complex bank reconciliations. Achieved zero external audit findings through enhanced documentation and control improvements.

Payroll Accounting Multi State Taxation GL Reconciliation Internal Controls Audit Compliance PeopleSoft HCM Oracle Fusion Kronos Process Automation Financial Analysis

Senior Financial Management Analyst – Payroll

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)

Apr 2019 - Oct 2022 (3 years 6 months)

Supported payroll operations for 13,000 employees, resolving discrepancies, reconciling payroll activity to the GL, and preparing correcting journal entries. Manually processed W-2/W-2Cs for 13,000+ employees within 2 business days for 6 consecutive years.

Payroll Accounting GL Reconciliation W 2 Processing Audit Support PeopleSoft HCM Kronos Process Automation

Payroll Manager

Palladium Group Global

Jan 2018 - Apr 2019 (1 year 3 months)

Managed payroll for 2,000+ U.S. and international employees, administering Deltek Time & Expense and ensuring accurate labor distribution and multi-state tax compliance. Reduced payroll errors by 30% through training, process redesign, and improved internal controls.

Payroll Accounting Multi State Taxation Deltek Time And Expense Labor Distribution Internal Controls Process Redesign Benefits Administration 401K

Global Payroll Manager

Palladium Group Global

Aug 2016 - Jan 2018 (1 year 5 months)

Oversaw global payroll across U.S., EMEA, and APAC regions using ADP Workforce Now, ADP Streamline, and HSBC. Implemented ADP Streamline for UK, UAE, and Australia, improving global payroll consistency and compliance.

Global Payroll ADP Workforce ADP Streamline HSBC ERP Integration Deltek Costpoint HRIS Accuracy International Tax Compliance

Payroll Specialist

Palladium Group Global

Jul 2015 - Jul 2016 (1 year)

Managed U.S. and international payroll, including expatriate allowances, labor distribution, and multi-state taxation. Identified fraudulent payroll activity within 60 days, preventing significant financial loss.

Payroll Processing International Payroll Multi State Taxation Labor Distribution Fraud Detection Deltek Costpoint Payroll Training

Payroll Specialist / Accounts Payable Specialist

SC3

Dec 2008 - Jul 2015 (6 years 7 months)

Processed payroll and leave accruals for 1,000+ employees in Deltek Costpoint, including W-2s, taxes, journal entries, and reconciliations. Strengthened GL accuracy and supported HR onboarding.

Payroll Processing Deltek Costpoint W 2 Processing Journal Entries Reconciliations GL Accuracy HR Onboarding