Ellen Brandriff, CPP

Ellen Brandriff, CPP, is an accomplished payroll executive with more than three decades of experience leading payroll, payroll tax, compliance, and audit functions across a variety of industries. Currently serving as National Payroll Manager at Kuehne+Nagel, she is known for building strong payroll operations, implementing controls, and creating efficient processes that ensure accuracy, compliance, and exceptional service. Throughout her career, Ellen has held leadership roles including Payroll Director, Payroll Tax and Compliance Manager, and Payroll Subject Matter Expert, and other leadership positions, developing a reputation as a trusted leader and problem solver in the payroll profession. Ellen's career began unexpectedly in the reinsurance industry, where her strong work ethic and attention to detail quickly earned the confidence of senior leadership. After gaining experience in human resources and payroll administration, she was offered an opportunity in payroll management, launching a career that would become her lifelong passion. Her extensive experience includes leadership positions with organizations such as ADP, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Ascendion, and Kuehne+Nagel. Along the way, she gained a unique perspective by working on both the client and provider sides of payroll systems, helping her develop a comprehensive understanding of payroll operations, compliance, technology, and customer service. A Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), Ellen is deeply committed to advancing the payroll profession through education and mentorship. As a co-facilitator for PayrollOrg's North Jersey Chapter certification program, she helps prepare payroll professionals for CPP certification and recertification, sharing the knowledge and expertise she has accumulated throughout her career. Passionate about continuous improvement, she has spent much of her professional life identifying process gaps, strengthening compliance programs, and implementing solutions that protect organizations from risk. Looking ahead, Ellen plans to continue teaching and mentoring in retirement, helping the next generation of payroll professionals build successful and impactful careers.