Director, Payroll Services

The Director, Payroll Services will oversee and direct all aspects of payroll processing and reconciliation.  This role will lead a compliant & efficient payroll department to ensure the accurate and timely bi-weekly payroll process for 9 legal entities and over 2,400 employees. This role requires a systems-minded and detail-oriented team player with an aptitude for continual improvement and compliance.  The Director, Payroll Services will lead financial controls with both internal and external stakeholders, bring a solid knowledge of compliance with federal and multiple states of employment including the primary state of Massachusetts wage and hour, and employment taxation laws, as they impact payroll and tax reporting.  In addition, this position develops and executes a vision for future processes and systems as the organization needs evolve.  The Director, Payroll Services will be a key member of our HCM transformation journey and will provide the vision, strategy and coordination of our future payroll platform.

The role must stay abreast of the latest developments in payroll and benefit compliance regulations related to payroll administration and serves as the subject matter expert on all payroll issues. In partnership with Human Resources, the position also guides management toward resolution of payroll issues to ensure compliance with the law yet address practicality of proposed solutions and will serve as a hands-on leader for HSL’s payroll objectives and processing.

• Responsibles for the administration and management of all payroll functions, effective disposition of all daily payroll activities and for staff proficiency, effectiveness, and development.
• Manages third-party vendors and the preparation, analysis and maintenance of all payroll related reports, including governmental and regulatory filings, and payroll and benefit reconciliations. Lead the payroll and 401k audits when they occur
• Drives key payroll related projects as we build for scale. Be the payroll liaison and expert for larger cross-functional initiatives impacting payroll, including, but not limited to new payroll system implementations
• Maintains the payroll interfaces and payroll-related general ledger entries for the company’s month-end close and related reconciliations on a department level looking for opportunities to improve and implement best in class processes and systems
• Researches new payroll tax legislations, identify the reporting requirements, options and applicable risks
• Develops and enforces payroll policies and procedures to ensure proper internal controls and efficient processes
• Provides pro-active leadership and guidance to the teams regarding resolution support associated with payroll, payroll tax, and benefit issues and procedures
• Possess extensive knowledge and accountability for compliance with all applicable federal, state, and wage and hour laws
• Analyzes complex transactions, identifies issues, and works with internal and external operational teams to identify causes, assess risks, and implement plans to eliminate future occurrence
• Ensures process documentation and standard operating procedures are maintained and current at all times
• Leads the payroll team with diverse and varying levels of experience and provides coaching and learning opportunities
• Develops a thorough understanding of the capabilities and shortcomings of existing processes, including timekeeping and benefits, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement and leverage them to business operations
• Identifies and mitigates potential payroll-related risks and implements controls to prevent errors, fraud, or compliance violations
• Ensures the confidentiality and security of payroll data, adhering to data privacy regulations and safeguarding sensitive employee information.
• Successfully manage payroll implementation and audit projects

• 5 to 8 years of related experience in payroll management
• 10+ years of related experience in payroll processes
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Accounting, or other related field
• CPP Certified payroll Professional, designation required
• Extensive experience in HCM and/or payroll systems, preferably ADP, UKG and or Workday
• Experience with multiple legal entity payrolls
• Strong ability to analyze data and recommend changes based on findings relevant to business operations.
• Proven history of successful leadership.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with internal teams, external partners, and senior management.
• Project lead experience and prior experience with HCM implementations
• Strong MS Excel and database experience