Director of Payroll

Job Description

About the Role

Payroll at enterprise scale is no longer a transactional function; it is a mission-critical operation that sits at the intersection of compliance, finance, employee experience, and corporate risk. We are seeking a Director of Payroll to lead one of the most complex and visible operational functions within a large, multi-entity organization operating across multiple states, jurisdictions, and employee populations.

This role is designed for a senior payroll leader who has successfully managed high-volume payroll environments with diverse employee classifications, complex earnings structures, union and non-union populations, and evolving regulatory requirements. You will oversee payroll strategy end-to-end, ensuring absolute accuracy, compliance, and operational resilience while modernizing systems, strengthening controls, and elevating payroll as a strategic enterprise capability.

The Director of Payroll will serve as the primary authority on payroll governance, controls, and execution, partnering closely with Finance, HR, Legal, IT, and external vendors. Beyond day-to-day operations, this leader will drive payroll transformation initiatives, including system upgrades, automation, process standardization, and integration with broader finance and people platforms.

This is a high-trust, high-accountability role with direct exposure to executive leadership. The impact of this position is felt across the entire workforce, shaping employee confidence, financial integrity, and organizational credibility.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Own and lead all payroll operations across a large, multi-state, multi-entity workforce, ensuring timely and accurate payroll execution.

• Establish enterprise payroll governance, controls, and audit-ready processes aligned with SOX and internal compliance standards.

• Oversee payroll systems, vendors, and integrations, including system upgrades, enhancements, and automation initiatives.

• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and reporting requirements.

• Partner with Finance on reconciliations, accruals, payroll accounting, and cash forecasting.

• Collaborate with HR, Legal, and Total Rewards on compensation changes, bonuses, equity payments, benefits deductions, and workforce changes.

• Lead payroll audits, regulatory inquiries, and internal reviews, ensuring clean outcomes and risk mitigation.

• Drive process improvement initiatives to increase accuracy, efficiency, scalability, and employee experience.

• Build and lead a high-performing payroll team, establishing clear accountability, development plans, and succession readiness.

• Serve as the escalation point for complex payroll issues requiring senior judgment and discretion.

Job Qualifications and Requirements

• 10–15+ years of progressive payroll leadership experience within large, complex organizations.

• Demonstrated experience managing payroll for large employee populations across multiple states and jurisdictions.

• Deep expertise in payroll compliance, wage and hour laws, tax filings, and regulatory reporting.

• Experience leading payroll transformations, system implementations, or major process redesigns.

• Strong understanding of payroll accounting, reconciliations, and financial controls.

• Proven ability to partner effectively with Finance, HR, Legal, and Technology teams.

• Experience managing third-party payroll vendors and enterprise payroll platforms.

Personal Capabilities and Qualifications

• Highly detail-oriented leader with uncompromising standards for accuracy and compliance.

• Strong executive presence with the ability to communicate complex payroll matters clearly and confidently.

• Calm, decisive, and effective under pressure in deadline-driven environments.

• Strategic thinker who can modernize operations while maintaining flawless execution.

• Trusted leader with high integrity and discretion when handling sensitive data.

• Strong people leader with a focus on accountability, development, and operational excellence.

Strategic Support

• Advise senior leadership on payroll risk, compliance posture, and operational readiness.

• Support enterprise initiatives related to workforce growth, restructuring, acquisitions, or divestitures.

• Partner with Finance and HR leadership on long-term payroll strategy and system roadmaps.

• Contribute to broader finance and people operations transformation initiatives.

• Support audit committees and executive leadership with payroll-related insights and reporting.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid work environment with regular collaboration across Finance, HR, Legal, and IT.

• Periodic travel for system implementations, leadership meetings, or audit support.

• High-visibility role with accountability for enterprise-wide payroll accuracy and compliance.

• Operates in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with peak payroll cycles.

Job Function

• Enterprise Payroll Leadership

• Payroll Compliance & Governance

• Payroll Systems & Vendor Management

• Payroll Accounting & Controls

• Process Optimization & Automation

• Audit, Risk & Regulatory Management

• People Leadership & Operational Excellence

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $225,000 – $330,000

• Annual Performance Bonus

• Long-Term Incentive Plan (Equity or Cash-Based)

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

• 401(k) with Company Match

• Executive-level PTO and Holiday Program

• Professional Development & Leadership Training

• Wellness, Mental Health, and Family Support Benefits

Why Join Us

• Lead payroll at true enterprise scale within a highly respected organization.

• Own a function that directly impacts every employee and the company’s financial integrity.

• Modernize payroll operations with executive support and investment.

• Partner closely with senior leadership in a role of trust, visibility, and influence.

• Build a legacy of operational excellence, compliance strength, and employee confidence.