Associate Director of Payroll
AuditFriendly Careers • Chicago, IL • Full Time
Posted on Mon, Sep 7, 2026
The Associate Director of Payroll is responsible for all aspects of the company's payroll functions including the efficient and effective use of Company resources to ensure timely and accurate processing of semi-monthly payroll, related payroll tax payments and filings (quarterly and annual), wage garnishments, issuance of W-2's and general ledger postings to the Company's financial system. This role will lead in the identification of opportunities to enhance the current payroll processes.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage the Company's semi-monthly partner and staff payroll processes, including review of for accuracy, authorization compliance, and supporting documentation
- Review and approval of partner compensation activity to ensure the accuracy of earnings and deductions
- Understand and manage the flow of information between the various functions involved with payroll processes and the payroll system to ensure that payroll is processed correctly
- Keep abreast of Company payroll and distribution policies, as well as current legislation that could potentially impact the payroll function; ensure the Company is in compliance and liaise with the Company's Human Resource department, as needed
- Critically review the Company's payroll processes and work with the Finance management team to implement changes that strengthen controls and create efficient processes
- Collaborate with various members of the Company's administrative management team (Treasury, Partner Services, Tax, Human Resources, Benefits, etc.) to provide excellent customer services to individuals regarding payroll inquiries and enhance the efficiency, quality, and costs associated with payroll preparation
- Approve payroll related journal entries; work with other members of the Finance department in resolving reconciling items on cash/balance sheet reconciliations in a timely manner
- Manage, develop, and coach the Payroll team members to ensure effectiveness and growth of the team; maintain awareness of employee morale by creating an environment of open communication
- Manage the review of all electronic and hard copy payroll records to ensure compliance with the Company's record retention policy
- Respond to internal and external requests for payroll data
- Main point of contact for all external and internal audits
- Willingness and ability to work extended hours to ensure successful execution of the Company's payroll processes
- Special projects as requested by the Finance leadership team
REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's Degree, ideally in Accounting or a related field
- 10+ years of experience with Payroll
- 5+ years of experience leading, managing and/or directing payroll functions and teams
- Experience managing direct reports is required
- Payroll professional certification (for example: CPP with APA)
- PeopleSoft experience
- Proficiency in MS Office
NICE TO HAVE EXPERIENCE
- Professional services experience
AuditFriendly salary estimate
The employer did not post a salary for this role. Based on AuditFriendly's salary intelligence model (comparable live postings, role, seniority, and location), we estimate base pay of $88,000–$189,000 per year (median ~$153,000). This is an AuditFriendly estimate, not an employer-provided figure.
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