Payroll Director

The Payroll Director is responsible for leading all domestic and international payroll operations for a high-volume, multi-state organization. This role ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing while overseeing payroll tax compliance, internal controls, audits, reporting, and payroll team development. The Payroll Director serves as a strategic partner to Finance, HR, and executive leadership, driving process improvements and ensuring adherence to all federal, state, local, and international payroll regulations. This position is 100% on-site.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee end-to-end payroll operations for a large non-profit organization, multi-state and international workforce, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
• Manage domestic and international payroll processes, including payroll tax registrations, filings, reporting, and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and international employment tax laws, wage and hour regulations, and payroll requirements.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve payroll policies, procedures, internal controls, and system processes.
• Lead payroll system enhancements, upgrades, testing, and implementations to improve efficiency and scalability.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop payroll staff, providing guidance on payroll processing, compliance matters, audits, and best practices.
• Review and reconcile payroll-related accounts, including taxes, garnishments, deductions, accrued liabilities, and general ledger accounts.
• Partner with Accounting and Finance teams on month-end, quarter-end, and year-end payroll reporting and reconciliations.
• Lead payroll reporting, analytics, workforce audits, and employee lifecycle reviews to ensure data integrity and compliance.
• Coordinate and manage Workers’ Compensation payroll audits and support other external payroll-related audits.
• Maintain payroll records and documentation in accordance with company policies and legal requirements.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex payroll issues and employee inquiries.
• Collaborate with HR, Benefits, Finance, Legal, and external vendors to ensure seamless payroll administration.
• Monitor legislative changes and proactively implement updates to maintain compliance across all jurisdictions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required.
• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership responsibility within a high-volume, multi-state environment.
• Experience managing international payroll operations and global payroll compliance.
• Strong knowledge of payroll administration, payroll tax regulations, employment laws, and multi-jurisdictional compliance requirements.
• Experience with payroll systems and HRIS platforms; Dayforce experience strongly preferred.
• Proven experience managing payroll audits, tax filings, reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including data analysis, reporting, and payroll reconciliations.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to develop high-performing teams and influence cross-functional stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred.
• Experience supporting payroll operations for organizations with 1,000+ employees.
• Knowledge of global payroll providers, international employment regulations, and cross-border payroll practices.