Senior Director of Payroll
Reports To: Chief Financial Officer
Job Summary
To provide strategic leadership and oversee the administration and delivery of the organization's payroll practices and services. This role is responsible for directing all functions necessary to accomplish the organization's payroll processing objectives at a senior level. It includes managing relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, ensuring compliance, and aligning payroll operations with the company's long-term goals.
Essential Functions
- Leads the overall payroll function, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in all payroll operations across multiple states and entities, while upholding federal, state, and local regulations.
- Develops and executes the payroll strategy, aligning with organizational objectives and cross-functional collaboration, especially with HR, Benefits, and Finance departments.
- Provides executive leadership to the payroll department, including recruiting, managing, training, and developing a high-performing payroll team capable of scaling operations.
- Oversees the design, implementation, and enhancement of payroll systems, ensuring accuracy in payroll processing, taxation, deductions, benefits, garnishments, and compliance with evolving regulatory requirements.
- Manages the accurate and timely processing of payroll updates including new hires, terminations and changes to pay rates.
- Drives process improvements and efficiency initiatives, identifying areas for operational enhancements and leading initiatives to streamline payroll workflows and technology.
- Ensures effective communication and collaboration with internal teams, such as Legal and Finance, to maintain high standards in payroll administration and compliance across different jurisdictions.
- Manages risk and compliance related to payroll by ensuring proper registrations, filings, and adherence to local, state, and federal payroll regulations, including wage and hour laws.
- Acts as the key decision-maker in approving payrolls, resolving escalations, and leading complex payroll functions, such as manual off-cycle payrolls and executive payroll adjustments.
- Leads cross-departmental projects related to payroll, such as system implementations, mergers and acquisitions, and organizational restructuring efforts, ensuring a seamless integration of payroll processes.
- Serves as the primary point of contact for audits, ensuring the timely provision of records and managing relationships with external auditors and other regulatory bodies.
- Leads and advises on strategic payroll initiatives, staying abreast of industry trends, technological advances, and compliance changes, and advising the C-suite on payroll-related strategies and decisions.
- Fosters a culture of excellence, focusing on quality control, continuous improvement, and team development, ensuring that payroll operations are scalable, compliant, and future-ready.
- Management responsibilities include executive-level talent development, succession planning, and team performance management to ensure continued growth and operational success.
Additional Responsibilities
- Performs other duties as assigned or requested.
- Participates actively in continuing education and in-services.
- Maintains confidentiality of employee information and business trade practices.
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
- Organizational skills
- Time management
- Cooperative attitude
- Advanced written and verbal interpersonal communication
- Basic math skills
- In-depth knowledge of federal, state and local payroll and tax regulations
- Proven leadership and people management skills
- Strong working knowledge of payroll transaction accounting and experience managing payroll for a diverse workforce.
Minimum Position Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources or related field; Master's degree preferred.
Experience
- Extensive payroll leadership experience, 7+ years; including multi-state payroll processing, compliance management and systems integration.
Certification
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred.
Environmental Conditions
Works under a variety of conditions in facilities and offices; ability to work flexible schedule, ability to travel locally; some exposure to unpleasant weather. Moderate noise level; tasks may involve exposure to bloodborne pathogens; moderate stress and emotional demands.
Physical Requirements
Sitting is required. Requires ability to always handle stressful situations in a calm and courteous manner. Requires working under some stressful conditions to meet deadlines and agency needs. Ability to travel.
Pay: Up to $170,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX 75019
