Position Summary: The Director of Payroll leads the payroll team and provides oversight of payroll processing, tax payments, regulatory filings, controls, and continuous improvement. This position is accountable for timely and accurate payroll operations, reviews and approves payroll before processing, serves as a backup for payroll processing, and partners with the Corporate Controller to maintain appropriate segregation of duties. The Director also develops exception reporting and audits, implements corrective actions, and ensures payroll notices and compliance matters are resolved promptly.
Primary Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to the following:- Manage, coach, and develop the payroll team; establish clear expectations and promote accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee payroll processes and procedures to ensure accurate, consistent, timely, and compliant payroll administration.
- Review and approve payroll before it is processed.
- Serve as a backup for payroll processing and complete payroll activities as needed.
- Coordinate and complete weekly payroll tax payments.
- Review all monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll tax filings prepared by the Payroll Manager, including applicable state and federal filings.
- Review and complete year-end payroll filings and related activities.
- Follow up on and resolve all payroll-related notices, including notices received from the Internal Revenue Service and other federal, state, or local agencies.
- Identify opportunities to improve payroll workflows, increase efficiency, strengthen accuracy, and implement appropriate automation.
- Analyze payroll errors and trends, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
- Oversee the timely review, investigation, response, and resolution of payroll-related notices and inquiries from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and federal, state, and local taxing authorities, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, accurate payroll tax reporting, and appropriate corrective action when necessary.
- Develop, maintain, and monitor exception reports and payroll audits as needed to identify errors, control gaps, and unusual activity.
- Partner with the Corporate Controller to ensure the payroll department maintains appropriate segregation of duties and internal controls.
- Review payroll reporting for accuracy and completeness and support compliance with federal, state, and local payroll requirements, including union and certified payroll reporting requirements.
- Develop, document, and maintain payroll standard operating procedures and related controls.
- Partner with Human Resources, Accounting, Operations, and other stakeholders to align payroll processes and resolve payroll-related issues.
- Lead or support payroll projects and process improvement initiatives.
- Maintain the confidentiality of payroll, benefit, and employee information.
- Exemplify, promote, and foster our purpose of Committed to Excellence through our Core Values.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:- Extensive experience in payroll processing, payroll systems, payroll taxation, and regulatory reporting.
- Strong understanding of federal, state, and local payroll regulations and tax requirements.
- Experience with certified payroll and knowledge of union reporting requirements is beneficial.
- Demonstrated ability to lead a team, analyze processes, strengthen controls, and implement improvements.
- Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Effective communication, interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills.
- Ability to build productive relationships across all levels of the organization.
- Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
- Capability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Initiative to identify and suggest process improvements.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and ERP/payroll systems.
Education and Experience:- Minimum of 7 years of progressive payroll experience.
- Bachelor's degree is required; will consider equivalent work experience on a case-by-case basis.
- Previous supervisory, management, or leadership experience is required.
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation helpful.
