Corporate Payroll Director

Company Description

Cooper Auto Group is a family owned business (since 1946), and as a family, we are committed to caring for each other. We’re a customer and employee focused company that strives for excellence through our uncompromising integrity, ethics, loyalty, and commitment.  
If you’re ready to be a part of an exciting team that’s committed to your success, then we encourage you to continue with this job application. You’ll find our recruiting process exceptionally streamlined, and you can expect an efficient hiring process from offer to start date. We look forward to hearing from you!

Job Description

USA Today Top Workplace!
The Payroll Director is responsible for leading all aspects of payroll operations for one of the largest automotive groups in Oklahoma (1,300+ employees in OKC and Tulsa). This role ensures accurate, timely payroll processing while maintaining strict compliance with federal and Oklahoma-specific regulations. The Payroll Director serves as a strategic partner to HR and Finance, driving process improvements, system optimization, and audit readiness.

• Direct and oversee full-cycle payroll processing for 1,300+ employees (hourly, salaried, shift-based, and incentive pay structures)
• Ensure compliance with all federal laws (e.g., FLSA, IRS regulations) and Oklahoma-specific requirements (state income tax withholding, unemployment insurance, garnishments)
• Manage multi-state payroll compliance if applicable
• Lead payroll system administration (e.g., ADP, Workday, UKG), including upgrades, integrations, and data integrity
• Establish and enforce payroll policies, internal controls, and standard operating procedures
• Supervise and develop a payroll team (typically 3–8 staff depending on structure)
• Oversee payroll tax filings, reconciliations, and year-end processing (W-2s, corrections, audits)
• Coordinate internal and external audits; ensure documentation readiness and compliance
• Partner with HR on benefits deductions, leave policies, and compensation changes
• Collaborate with Finance on general ledger postings, accruals, and financial reporting
• Manage vendor relationships, including payroll providers and tax filing services
• Monitor legislative changes impacting payroll in Oklahoma and across applicable states
• Drive automation, efficiency improvements, and scalability of payroll operations
• Analyze payroll metrics and provide reporting to executive leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field
• 10+ years of payroll experience, including leadership in organizations with 1,000+ employees
• Strong knowledge of federal and Oklahoma payroll laws and tax regulations
• Experience managing multi-state payroll preferred
• Proven experience with enterprise payroll systems (Strong preference for Paycom)
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing payroll teams
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• High level of discretion handling confidential employee data
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) a plus

Additional Information

Benefits for full time employees include but are not limited to: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D, Disability, EAP, 401(k), PTO, Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Employee Discounts

Cooper Auto Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.