Job SummaryThe Payroll Director is responsible for the strategic leadership, management compliance, and execution of all payroll functions across multiple legal entities, states and business units. This role oversees a high-volume payroll operation, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The Payroll Director leads a team of payroll professionals, drives process improvements, implements payroll technologies, and partners with Finance, Human Resources internal functional teams, Tax, and external vendors to support organizations requirements and goals. The position reports to the Vice President of Human Resources Administration.
Responsibilities- Directs and oversees end-to-end payroll processing for multiple companies and entities across North America, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, and South America.
- Manages all aspects of the payroll process, making critical decisions regarding work processes, service delivery, and compliance.
- Works closely with HR Business Partners and Operations leaders to support union negotiations and ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements.
- Supports and provides guidance to Payroll leaders on federal, state, local, living wage, and wage and hour requirements.
- Implements, maintains, and reviews payroll processing systems to ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll transactions, including salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions.
- Establishes key performance indicators (KPIs) and service-level metrics for payroll operations.
- Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, payroll tax regulations, garnishments, and reporting requirements.
- Oversees multi-state payroll tax filings, unemployment reporting, and year-end processes, including W-2 preparation and related tax documentation.
- Monitors legislative changes affecting payroll administration and implements necessary updates.
- Reconciles payroll accounts and ensures alignment with Finance requirements.
- Manages payroll accruals, labor distributions, and general ledger integrations.
- Responsible for the evaluation and performance management of direct reports and team members.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field required.
- 10+ years of progressive payroll leadership experience, including oversight of complex payroll operations.
- 5+ years of experience managing large-scale, multi-state payroll environments.
- FPC and/or CPP certification strongly preferred.
- Proven success overseeing payroll operations across multiple legal entities, business units, and locations.
- Demonstrated experience managing payroll for 10,000+ employees in multi-state environments.
- Extensive knowledge of payroll administration, including payroll processing, reconciliation, internal controls, tax compliance, and reporting.
- Thorough understanding of federal, state, and local payroll regulations and compliance requirements.
- Experience working in a unionized environment.
- Knowledge of prevailing wage requirements and administration.
- Exceptional judgment, discretion, and integrity in handling confidential employee information.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel (including pivot tables and data analysis functions).
- Hands-on experience with enterprise payroll and HRIS platforms such as SAP, ADP, Workday, UKG, Oracle, and Ceridian.
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions- Primarily works in a professional office environment with extensive use of computers, payroll systems, video conferencing platforms, and other business technologies.
- May require occasional travel (up to 10-15%) to support payroll operations, business initiatives, audits, system implementations, and leadership meetings across multiple locations.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and maintain flexibility to support critical payroll cycles, quarter-end/year-end activities, and business needs outside of regular business hours.
- Must possess the visual acuity and attention to detail necessary to analyze payroll data, review reports, ensure compliance, and manage complex payroll processes with a high degree of accuracy.
- Ability to handle highly confidential employee and compensation information with discretion and professionalism while providing leadership for a large, multi-state payroll function.
Perks & Benefits- Want your pay in advance? Access your pay when you need it through DailyPay app!
- Are you a top performer who thrives on recognition? On the spot awards offered through the Awardco Platform including gift cards and more!
- Need quality medical care? Multiple options for both full and part-time employees!
- Want WFS Employee Extras? Travel Discounts, Pet insurance, Discount Shopping & More!
- Looking to stay healthy and improve your life? Wellness Programs offered to all employees!
- Want to invest in your future? 401k program offered!
- Looking to grow and have a career with us? Opportunity for Internal Mobility and transfers available!
