Director of Payroll

Director of Payroll

San Luis Obispo, California | On-Site | Direct Hire

The Opportunity

United Staffing Associates has been engaged by an established education organization with operations across the United States and a long-standing history of providing specialized learning and literacy instruction to students of all ages. The organization is seeking an experienced Director of Payroll to lead its payroll function and oversee the complexities of a multi-state workforce.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and approve employee-related payroll changes and transactions, verifying accuracy before payroll processing.
• Oversee department email communications received from company employees, providing prompt, accurate, and professional responses.
• Administer and maintain employee paid time off records and related tracking.
• Establish, document, maintain, and enhance payroll procedures, policies, and controls to support the organization as it grows.
• Handle payroll tax registrations and compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and international tax authorities.
• Perform and oversee account reconciliations, including year-end estimated payroll, payroll clearing and payroll tax accounts, assigned general ledger accounts, various garnishments and payroll liability accounts, other payroll earnings, deductions, and liability accounts as necessary.
• Provide day-to-day guidance, coaching, and oversight to payroll team members responsible for payroll processing, audit activities, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead payroll reporting and data analysis, producing reliable metrics and specialized reports for Finance leadership, the Controller, and senior management.
• Coordinate payroll-related Workers’ Compensation audits, including compiling required records and working with auditors, Human Resources, and insurance carriers throughout the audit process.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• At least three years of progressively responsible experience involving payroll and accounting, including responsibility for overseeing payroll operations.
• Proficiency with standard business applications and payroll systems, with the ability to learn and work effectively within new technology platforms.
• Thorough understanding of payroll practices, payroll tax requirements, and employment-related compliance obligations.
• Demonstrated ability to work with limited supervision, use sound judgment, prioritize competing responsibilities, and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience creating, implementing, and managing payroll processes with a strong emphasis on accuracy, confidentiality, controls, and regulatory compliance.

Compensation & Benefits:

• $95,000 - $100,000 per year DOE
• Our client offers eligible employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents; paid time off; disability and life insurance; an Employee Assistance Program (EAP); a flexible spending account (FSA); voluntary life, accident, and critical illness coverage; a 401(k) plan; and company-wide discounts on products and services.

About United Staffing Associates

United Staffing Associates is a professional search firm partnering with organizations to identify talented professionals for critical roles. We are conducting this search on behalf of our client and will facilitate the recruitment process from initial consideration through the hiring process. The identity of the hiring company will remain confidential during the initial stages of the recruitment process.