The Director, Payroll Production and Optimization is a newly created position. The Director, Payroll Production and Optimization will have an in-depth knowledge of the overall payroll operations and compliance to support a growing workforce of approximately 2,000 nationally dispersed employees. In this role, the Director, Payroll Production and Optimization will design and implement policies and procedures to achieve continuous improvement and drive efficiencies in the payroll department and implement payroll best practices throughout the entire company. The Director, Payroll Production and Optimization must be proactive, possess strong knowledge of payroll rules and regulations, including taxation filings, exceptional organizational skills with the ability to multi-task efficiently and effectively, adhere to a strict deadline and maintain employee data confidentiality. The ideal candidate must also have strong communication skills to interact effectively with employees at all levels and leadership skills to effectuate best practices and changes that align with the company's overall business goals and strategy.
Job Requirements
Review federal and state quarterly and annual payroll tax returns prepared by third-party service provider for accuracy. Track and ensure that these filings are filed on time by the third-party service provider
Ensure compliance with applicable payroll time and attendance laws, regulations, and company policies by staying updated on payroll regulations, tax laws and industry trends. Lead the effort to implement those necessary changes to ensure compliance and best practices
Identify areas and lead the effort to streamline payroll processes procedures using automated technology where appropriate
Develop, update, document and implement all payroll related policies and procedures, including best practices
Assist with timely and accurate payroll processing for all employees in multiple states including taxation of equity-based awards. Identify and mitigate risks related to payroll and time and attendance to avoid penalties, fines or other compliance issues
Administer and maintain Workday payroll time and attendance system, ensure data integrity and implement system upgrades and enhancements
Assist in managing the payroll team and facilitate training and development using Workday
Generate payroll-related reports used for budgeting and forecasting purposes and regulatory and tax filing requirements
Collaborate with various departments to seamlessly integrate payroll and employee data and employee benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other deductions
Liaise with external auditors and manage all payroll related audits. Ensure proper documentation and reporting of payroll activities.
Establish, monitor and report payroll time and attendance key performance indicators to measure and improve efficiency and accuracy.
Ensure the availability and effectiveness of employee self-service portals for viewing paychecks, managing direct deposits, and updating tax forms.
Performs ad hoc duties as needed
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or related field
15+ years of experience in payroll time and attendance management
8+ years of management experience
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) is highly preferred
In-depth knowledge of payroll labor laws, taxation in a multi-state jurisdiction and statutory compliance
Experience in multi-state payroll management and supporting a remote workforce. The candidate must be a subject matter expert in time and attendance processes
Proficiency in payroll software and systems - experience with Workday is a plus. If no Workday experience, the candidate must have the ability to navigate and learn a new payroll software quickly
Strong attention to detail and accuracy in managing multiple and complex payroll calculation data. The candidate must be able to manage multiple priorities.
Proven track record of continuously improving payroll and time and attendance processes
Strong organizational and time management skills to meet strict and short payroll deadlines
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with employees at all levels of the company
Solida understanding of accounting is needed to be able to reconcile payroll with financial records
High level of confidentiality, integrity and ability to handle sensitive and confidential payroll-related information
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel
