Director of Payroll

Title: Director of Payroll

Reports To: Vice President of Finance

Classification: Exempt

Supervisors: Payroll Coordinators

Compensation: Up to $170,000

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Payroll is responsible for the strategic leadership, administration, and oversight of the organization's payroll function. This position ensures the accurate and timely processing of payroll, compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll regulations, and the integrity of payroll systems and data. The Director partners closely with Human Resources, Finance, and Operations to develop efficient payroll processes, maintain regulatory compliance, and provide exceptional service to employees while safeguarding confidential payroll information.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct and oversee the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing for all employees.

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

• Oversee payroll tax filings, reconciliations, W-2 processing, year-end reporting, and quarterly payroll tax filings.

• Serve as the primary administrator and subject matter expert for the organization's payroll system, ensuring data integrity and system optimization.

• Develop, implement, and maintain payroll policies, procedures, internal controls, and best practices.

• Partner with Human Resources to ensure employee data, compensation changes, promotions, terminations, leave information, and other employee updates are accurately reflected in payroll.

• Collaborate with Finance to reconcile payroll expenses, labor allocations, accruals, and financial reporting.

• Review and approve payroll adjustments, retroactive payments, bonuses, commissions, garnishments, deductions, and other payroll transactions.

• Ensure compliance with wage garnishments, child support orders, tax levies, and other court-ordered deductions.

• Oversee payroll-related retirement plan processes, including accurate 401(k) deductions, employer contributions, eligibility tracking, payroll feeds, and reconciliation of retirement plan contributions.

• Partner with Human Resources, Finance, and retirement plan providers to ensure accurate administration of 401(k) plan requirements and timely resolution of payroll-related retirement discrepancies.

• Support annual retirement plan compliance activities, including preparation, review, and coordination of required reporting and documentation for Form 5500 filings and related audit requirements.

• Assist with 401(k) plan audits by providing payroll records, contribution reports, employee data, and other required documentation to auditors and third-party administrators.

• Monitor payroll metrics and prepare reports for executive leadership, Finance, and regulatory agencies.

• Lead payroll audits and support internal and external auditors by providing required documentation and reporting.

• Identify opportunities to improve payroll efficiency through automation, process improvements, and system enhancements.

• Manage relationships with payroll vendors and third-party service providers.

• Supervise, coach, and develop payroll staff while fostering a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

• Maintain strict confidentiality of employee payroll information and organizational data.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field required.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive payroll experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of payroll leadership or supervisory experience.
• Experience managing multi-state payroll operations required.
• Healthcare, home care, or multi-site organization experience preferred.
• Experience with payroll systems such as ADP Workforce Now, Workday, UKG, or similar platforms.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Comprehensive knowledge of payroll administration, payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and federal, state, and local compliance requirements.
• Strong understanding of FLSA, IRS regulations, wage garnishments, payroll deductions, and tax reporting.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and payroll reporting systems.
• Strong attention to detail with exceptional accuracy.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict payroll deadlines.
• Strong leadership and employee development skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality with sensitive payroll information.
• Commitment to providing exceptional internal customer service.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strong clinical judgment
• Productivity and time management
• Compassion and empathy
• Professional communication
• Crisis intervention skills
• Documentation accuracy and compliance
• Accountability and reliability
• Ability to build therapeutic relationships
• Team collaboration

• Adaptability in fast-paced clinical environments

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Ergonomic workspace
• Ambient interiors
• Organized office plan
• Hygienic environment
• Employee satisfaction
• Staff commitment
• Employee empowerment
• Career growth