Explore Payroll Director Jobs

Payroll Directors lead the teams, processes, and technology that ensure employees are paid accurately and on time. On Ladders, explore vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more, including senior payroll leadership roles at organizations across industries.

What Does a Payroll Director Do?

A Payroll Director oversees payroll operations from end to end, setting standards for accuracy, timeliness, data security, and service. Responsibilities may include managing payroll staff and vendors, maintaining policies and controls, coordinating with finance and human resources, and providing reporting to senior leaders. The role often supports payroll across multiple locations, business units, or countries.

Common Responsibilities and Skills

Employers often seek leaders with experience in payroll compliance, tax and wage regulations, internal controls, payroll systems, process improvement, and audit readiness. Strong candidates combine technical expertise with people leadership, analytical skills, clear communication, and the ability to manage sensitive employee information. Familiarity with HRIS platforms, payroll automation, and multi-state or global payroll can be valuable.

Qualifications for Payroll Director Roles

Many Payroll Director positions call for substantial payroll experience and a record of leading teams or complex operations. Employers may prefer a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, human resources, or a related field, along with relevant payroll or accounting credentials. Requirements vary by company, workforce size, and the scope of the role.

Find Your Next Payroll Leadership Role

Browse Payroll Director openings on Ladders to discover senior opportunities with compensation of $100,000 or more. Compare role responsibilities and qualifications, then focus your search on positions that fit your leadership experience, industry background, and career goals.

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Average Salary: $130,551

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Top companies hiring for Payroll Director

Deloitte Acrisure Paylocity Genuine Parts Company Guidehouse OpenGov McDermott Will & Emery Pregis Corporation Snap Inc Save the Children Nelnet MW Industries City Of New York Worldwide Flight Services Philip Morris International

Top similar job titles to Payroll Director

Human Resources Manager jobs Payroll Manager jobs Accounting Manager jobs Senior Human Resources Manager jobs HRIS Manager jobs Tax Manager jobs Business Operations Manager jobs Senior HRIS Analyst jobs Senior Tax Manager jobs Senior Payroll Specialist jobs Internal Controls Manager jobs Director jobs People Operations Manager jobs Human Resources Specialist jobs Benefits Manager jobs

Top cities hiring for Payroll Director

New York, NY jobs Atlanta, GA jobs Chicago, IL jobs Seattle, WA jobs Schaumburg, IL jobs Los Angeles, CA jobs Houston, TX jobs Boston, MA jobs Phoenix, AZ jobs Dallas, TX jobs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does a Payroll Director do?
A Payroll Director leads payroll teams and oversees processes, systems, controls, and compliance to help ensure employees are paid accurately and on time. The role commonly partners with finance, HR, and senior leadership.
What qualifications are typically required for Payroll Director jobs?
Requirements vary, but employers commonly look for extensive payroll experience, leadership ability, knowledge of payroll regulations and controls, and familiarity with payroll or HRIS systems. A relevant bachelor's degree or professional credential may be preferred.
How much do Payroll Director jobs pay?
Pay varies by employer, location, industry, and the role's scope. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, including qualifying Payroll Director opportunities.
What skills help Payroll Directors succeed?
Important skills include payroll compliance, tax and wage regulation knowledge, team leadership, systems expertise, process improvement, analytical thinking, communication, and careful handling of confidential data.
Where can I find Payroll Director jobs paying $100,000 or more?
Explore Payroll Director listings on Ladders to find vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more.