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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$99K - $172K *

Join a team that's driving payroll excellence across multiple countries. Lead a dedicated payroll team, ensuring compliance and accuracy for 1,000+ employees while collaborating with various departmen...

Minneapolis, MNRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $200K *

Champion payroll excellence by leading global teams to innovate and automate processes while ensuring compliance and operational efficiency across multiple jurisdictions...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$113K - $143K *

Drive global payroll transformation projects, ensuring compliance and accuracy while coordinating with stakeholders across multiple countries. Lead implementations, manage risks, and support operation...

Milwaukee, WIRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$86K - $130K *

Unlock operational excellence by managing payroll for a multi-state workforce, ensuring accuracy and compliance while driving process improvements and enhancing employee experience through expert Work...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $135K *

Shape the future of our Accounting Operations by leading a dynamic team, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in financial processes, and driving improvements through automation and AI integration...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$69K - $118K *

Engage in overseeing daily operations of the Distribution department, ensuring timely payroll processing and operational efficiency. Drive improvements, manage vendor relationships, and support team d...

Memphis, TNRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's transforming payroll processes at scale, ensuring timely and accurate payments for over 1,000 employees across multiple states, while driving compliance, automation, and efficiency...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$149K - $248K *

Lead the transformation of Workday Financial Management, ensuring effective design and implementation across finance and enterprise processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize ERP c...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$80K - $90K *

Transform payroll operations by leading a dynamic team, ensuring compliance and accuracy across multi-state payroll processes while driving continuous improvement and operational excellence in a fast...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$165K - $175K *

Reimagine payroll and people operations by ensuring accurate, timely compensation and benefits. Lead policy development and system improvements while supporting new and existing organizations in their...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$175K - $200K *

Lead financial strategy and analysis, partnering with leadership to drive growth. Own dynamic financial models, budgeting, and forecasting while mentoring a high-performing finance team in a fast-pace...

New York, NYRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Lead the evolution of a multi-country payroll function, combining Workday expertise with operational leadership. Collaborate with global teams to optimize payroll processes, ensuring compliance and en...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$135K - $160K *

Transform the Private Equity landscape by leading FP&A initiatives, enhancing operational efficiencies, and mentoring teams to deliver tailored solutions that drive sustainable value creation for clie...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$125K - $205K *

Join a team that's transforming payroll solutions by leading Workday Payroll implementations, optimizing processes, and mentoring junior consultants to enhance client efficiency and satisfaction...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$165K - $220K *

Optimize global payroll operations by leading strategy, governance, and modernization efforts. Drive compliance and efficiency across 25+ countries while fostering cross-functional partnerships and en...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$113K - $151K *

Elevate payroll operations by managing semi-monthly payroll for 800+ employees across the U.S. and Canada. Ensure compliance with tax regulations, drive process improvements, and collaborate with cros...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$142K - $210K *

Transform global payroll operations by leading a team to ensure compliance, accuracy, and efficiency across US and international payrolls while managing complex tax and pay issues...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Champion accurate payroll processing and compliance while managing third-party vendor relationships. Drive payroll technology projects and ensure seamless integration of policies, enhancing employee s...

New York, NYRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $165K *

Unlock potential by leading complex Payroll support activities, serving as a trusted advisor to clients. With deep Workday Payroll expertise, enhance operational efficiency and drive continuous improv...

Chicago, ILRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$125K - $150K *

Pioneer global payroll operations, ensuring compliance and accuracy across multiple regions. Lead payroll processes and provide exceptional support as you contribute to the team’s expansion and effici...

United StatesRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Join a dynamic team to drive operational excellence across Business Units, ensuring accurate forecasting, insightful reporting, and effective execution. Collaborate closely with GMs to enhance perform...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Advance organizational growth by leading financial strategy, planning, and analytics. Collaborate with executive leaders to translate data into insights, enhance business performance, and drive inform...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Join a dynamic finance team to optimize month-end close processes, enhance internal controls, and support financial reporting. Collaborate across departments to ensure accuracy and scalability as the...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$179K - $205K *

Transform the legal landscape within financial services by providing strategic counsel on regulations, licensing, and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure scalable solutions a...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$105K - $115K *

Develop and refine payroll operations for a growing workforce of over 500 employees. Ensure compliant and efficient processing while managing benefit administration and optimizing internal controls an...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Payroll Director do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    Explore Payroll Director listings on Ladders to find vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more.