Director of Payroll

Summary

This role maintains and reviews payroll processing systems to ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll transactions including salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions. This role will also include responsible for the technical side of payroll designing, configuring, and maintaining reports and data tools within Kronos and with other HR and Payroll systems (ADP & SuccessFactors) to support data-driven decision-making and improve operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will contribute immediate impact through their HRIS expertise and help build long-term capability within the HR & Payroll function as we optimize the use of all platforms.

Responsibilities

• Manages a team that prepares and maintains accurate records and reports of payroll transactions.
• Provides guidance to the payroll processing team making critical decisions regarding work processes, service delivery and compliance.
• Oversee the daily workflow of the payroll department ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing and compliance the Company policies, federal, state and local regulations.
• Oversee payroll closing procedures, providing reporting statistics by company for approval to close.
• Ensure that all federal, state, and local payroll taxes are correctly withheld, reported, paid, and filed in compliance with laws and regulations.
• Ensure the accurate, timely review and reconciliation of federal, state, and local taxable wages and withholding tax, unemployment tax, and disability insurance tax for multiple legal entities in the U.S. including the review of year-end balancing of W-2’s and related federal and state agency forms to the payroll system.
• Maintain all critical payroll controls to ensure the accuracy of payroll processing, including manual and automated input to the payroll system as well as output from the payroll system to other systems of the Firm.
• Interprets company policies and government regulations affecting payroll procedures to advise, and ensure proper processes and controls are in place for compliance.
• Collaborate with Human Resources on payroll processes and initiatives.
• Liaise with Compensation, Benefits, HRIS, Field HR, Finance and the Operation teams.
• Oversees documentation and maintenance standard operating procedures (SOP).
• Provide strategic direction and expertise to the payroll function along with creating short-term and long-term strategies for continuous improvement in payroll operations.
• Identifies and recommends updates to payroll processing software, systems, and procedures.
• Support all payroll audits and coordinate with other internal teams to expediate results.
• Respond to complex questions from internal and external stakeholders regarding payroll issues when escalated from staff.
• Deliver on the goal of supporting and driving automated information systems in support of the overall value proposition of Human Resources & Payroll
• Collaborate with HR, Payroll, and IT to troubleshoot issues and perform release testing.
• Ensure data integrity, consistency, and accuracy across all HR & Payroll systems and outputs.
• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot modules and features, including business processes, calculated fields, and security roles.
• Gather reporting requirements from internal stakeholders and deliver accurate, user-friendly data outputs.
• Develops plans and mechanisms for the dissemination of pertinent HR data and reports to management and other organizations.
• Develop, implement, and maintain a list of periodic reports distributed by Human Resources & Payroll.
• Support HR projects with high-quality data analysis and reporting deliverables.
• Assist with system integrations and ensure smooth cross-functional collaboration.
• Analyze HR data to uncover trends, risks, and opportunities and present actionable insights to leadership.
• Provide user support and training; create documentation and communicate system updates or changes.
• Determines, in conjunction with senior management and end-user departments, the hardware and software needs within the HR & Payroll teams and coordinates the procurement of such along with related technology consulting services.

Requirements

The requirements of this position include:
•    8+ years of experience as a Payroll Director or similar leadership role
•    Experience managing payroll in a multi-state U.S. environment 
•    Deep knowledge of payroll tax compliance, wage and hour laws and benefits administration
•    Experience with statutory deductions, tax rates, social security requirements, and benefits regulations globally.
•    Hands-on experience with 401(k) administration and compliance (preferably with Fidelity)
•    Demonstrated ability to set up and maintain strong internal controls and audit processes
•    Deep experience with HRIS systems and their integration with payroll systems.
•    Experience managing relationships with payroll service providers and vendors.
•    Ability to navigate complex payroll landscapes, adapt to changing regulations, and manage risks.
•    Understanding of data protection regulations requirements in handling employee information
•    Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
•    Strong interpersonal skills; able to build trust and influence across departments
•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills
•    Experience with Kronos, ADP, or similar large payroll/HCM platforms
•    Experience scaling payroll operations in a high-growth environment a plus