Position OverviewApollo is seeking an Associate Director, Payroll to join the Human Capital - Total Rewards team. Key contributor to the U.S. payroll operations team, which has oversight for approximately 1,800 employees while supporting global payroll processes and driving continuous improvement across payroll systems, controls, and service delivery. The Associate Director will play a key role in modernizing payroll operations-strengthening internal controls, enhancing data transparency, and leading automation and artificial intelligence-enabled transformation initiatives that improve accuracy, scalability, and employee experience.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES- Oversee end-to-end administration of multiple semi-monthly U.S. payrolls and support global payroll cycles, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and operational integrity
- Own payroll governance framework, including reconciliations, controls, documentation, audit readiness, and regulatory compliance across jurisdictions
- Review and approve payroll calculations, equity transactions, off-cycle payments, tax withholdings, and complex compensation items
- Partner with Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), Compensation, Benefits, Finance, Tax, and external vendors to ensure seamless system integration and data accuracy
- Lead payroll-related month-end and year-end processes, including W-2, W-2c, taxable fringe benefits, 401(k) compliance support, and audit coordination
- Oversee payroll accounting interfaces and general ledger reconciliations in partnership with Finance
- Design and implement scalable process improvements, strengthening controls while reducing manual intervention
- Champion payroll transformation initiatives, including:
- Deployment of automation and workflow optimization tools
- Implementation of AI-enabled anomaly detection and predictive error flagging
- Development of dashboard reporting and data visualization for real-time payroll insights
- Evaluation and enhancement of system integrations across Workday and ADP Workforce Now
- Serve as an escalation point for complex payroll matters, exercising sound judgment and discretion
- Mentor junior payroll team members and contribute to a high-performance, accountable team environment
Qualifications & ExperienceRequired- Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field, or equivalent practical experience
- 6-10 years of progressive multi-state U.S. payroll experience, including ownership of full-cycle payroll operations
- Demonstrated experience operating in a complex, multi-entity, or highly regulated environment
- Hands-on expertise with Workday Payroll and ADP Workforce Now
- Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and payroll compliance requirements
- Experience designing or enhancing payroll controls, reconciliations, and audit frameworks
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including large data set analysis and reconciliation
- Proven ability to manage confidential information with professionalism and sound judgment
Preferred- Exposure to or experience supporting international payroll operations
- Experience leading payroll system enhancements, implementations, or process redesign initiatives
- Familiarity with payroll accounting, journal entries, and financial close processes
- Experience leveraging automation tools, robotic process automation (RPA), AI-driven validation controls, or data analytics platforms to modernize payroll operations
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation
- Experience within financial services, asset management, insurance, or similarly regulated industries
Pay Range160,000 - 215,000
The contents of the qualifications and experience section of this job description are a guideline only. If an applicant can otherwise demonstrate their suitability for the role they will be considered.
The base salary range for this position is listed above. This position is also eligible for a discretionary annual bonus based on personal, team, and Firm performance. Compensation ranges are based on several factors including job function, level, and geographic location. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including candidate experience and expertise, and may vary from the amounts listed here.
