About the jobThe Vice President, Payroll Operations & Administration leads the enterprise payroll function and is accountable for the accurate, timely and compliant administration of payroll across the organization. The role owns end-to-end U.S. payroll operations and oversees the coordination of international payroll through in-country providers and local teams. Responsibilities include payroll processing, off-cycle payments, payroll tax administration, garnishments, 401(k) administration, payroll accounting and the general ledger interface with Corporate Accounting.
Reporting to Accounting Operations, the Vice President partners closely with Human Resources, Treasury, Tax, Financial Systems and Internal and External Audit. This leader will bring deep technical payroll expertise together with strong operational and financial discipline to strengthen controls, improve processes and lead the payroll function through continued growth, automation and system change.
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE IS EXPECTED TO:Payroll Operations & Team Leadership- Own the full payroll cycle for all pay groups, ensuring payroll is processed accurately and released on schedule.
- Oversee international payroll administration in partnership with in-country providers and local finance teams.
- Direct off-cycle payments, retroactive adjustments, bonus and commission payments, severance, relocation and equity-related payroll events.
- Establish and monitor service levels for payroll inquiries, escalations and case resolution.
- Lead and develop the payroll team, establishing clear responsibilities, cross-training and appropriate coverage for critical payroll activities.
Payroll Compliance & Controls- Maintain a documented payroll control environment, including segregation of duties, approval authorities and appropriate audit evidence.
- Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state and local payroll, wage and hour, withholding, garnishment and reporting requirements.
- Oversee payroll tax registrations, deposits, quarterly and annual filings, W-2 reporting and amendments.
- Own payroll support for internal and external audits, including the annual workers' compensation audit.
Payroll Accounting & Reporting- Own the payroll general ledger interface and ensure payroll entries, accruals and reconciliations are completed accurately within monthly, quarterly and year-end close timelines.
- Calculate and record monthly payroll allocations and bonus accruals.
- Prepare and support payroll reporting and analysis for Accounting, Human Resources and other business stakeholders.
401(k) Plan Administration - Oversee day-to-day payroll administration of the company's 401(k) plan in partnership with Human Resources and the plan recordkeeper, including enrollment, deferrals, loans and payroll-related data feeds.
- Calculate and validate employer contributions and the annual true-up in accordance with the plan document and applicable eligible compensation definitions.
- Maintain accurate accounting and reconciliations for employer contributions and related liabilities.
- Lead payroll support for the annual plan audit, Form 5500 process and compliance testing, and coordinate the resolution of payroll-related errors or corrective contributions.
Systems, Data & Process Improvement- Partner with Financial Systems and Human Resources to drive the payroll and timekeeping technology roadmap, including system enhancements, integrations, testing and configuration changes.
- Identify opportunities to automate manual processes, strengthen system controls and improve payroll data quality and reconciliation.
- Establish standardized payroll calendars, procedures and documentation to support scalability, consistency and business continuity.
- Evaluate payroll processes and system capabilities to support organizational growth and evolving business requirements.
QUALIFICATIONS: - Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, human resources, or a related field.
- 12 or more years of progressive payroll experience, including at least 5 years leading a payroll function within a complex, multi-state organization.
- Demonstrated command of payroll tax, wage and hour regulation, garnishment administration, and year-end reporting requirements.
- Hands-on experience with an enterprise payroll and time platform, and comfort working alongside systems teams on configuration, testing, and integrations.
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage complex cross-functional relationships and communicate effectively with senior leaders, auditors and external service providers.
- Working knowledge of payroll accounting, including accruals, reconciliations, and the payroll entries that flow into financial statements.
- Experience leading a payroll system implementation, conversion or share-services transition preferred.
- Exposure to international payroll and equity compensation reporting preferred.
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) a plus.
- Experience with Dayforce preferred.
