Sr Payroll Manager/Associate Director, Payroll Operations

The Senior Payroll Manager/Associate Director, Payroll Operations is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end payroll function for a large, multi-state workforce, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and efficiency across all payroll operations. This strategic role manages the payroll team and partners closely with HR, Accounting and Finance, Legal, and external vendors to optimize systems, processes, and service delivery. The Senior Payroll Manager/Associate Director, Payroll Operations plays a key role in payroll and tax compliance risk mitigation, audit readiness, and driving process innovation to support the company’s growth and scalability. This individual will serve as the company’s top payroll subject matter expert, accountable for leading high-impact projects such as system integrations, tax compliance initiatives, internal process redesign, and policy governance.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing payroll team, ensuring accurate and timely processing of payroll for a workforce of 5,000+ employees across multiple states and business units.
• Own the payroll strategy and roadmap, driving continuous improvement, automation, and alignment with enterprise priorities.
• Oversee and refine internal controls, data integrity practices, and payroll compliance to mitigate risk and ensure audit readiness.
• Serve as a strategic partner to Finance, Accounting, HR, and Legal, providing payroll insights and aligning payroll processes with business and regulatory requirements.
• Manage vendor relationships, including third-party payroll providers, tax agencies, and system vendors, ensuring accountability and service excellence.
• Lead or co-lead payroll system implementations, upgrades, and integrations with timekeeping, HRIS, and financial systems.
• Ensure accurate calculation and application of complex pay components including bonuses, equity, commissions, retro pay, garnishments, and various leave types.
• Stay up to date on evolving payroll legislation and translate regulatory changes into clear, compliant policies and workflows.
• Develop and deliver KPIs and executive-level reporting to support strategic decision-making and resource planning.
• Act as escalation point for complex or sensitive payroll issues requiring judgment, cross-functional coordination, or executive visibility.
• Management of the payroll team.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field required; Master’s degree or MBA a plus.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive payroll experience, including 3+ years in a people management role.
• Strong experience managing payroll operations in a high-growth, multi-state environment with 5,000+ employees.
• Expertise with Workday Payroll, UltiPro (UKG Pro) or a comparable enterprise payroll platform is required; system implementation experience highly preferred.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) strongly preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Expert-level knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations, tax compliance, and reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through ambiguity, drive results, and influence stakeholders across departments.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills; able to diagnose complex issues and implement sustainable solutions.
• Proven ability to manage confidential information with discretion and integrity.
• Exceptional communication skills, with experience presenting to senior leadership and external auditors.
• Process improvement and systems-savvy mindset, with a track record of streamlining payroll operations and leveraging technology.
• Will be overseeing payroll team.