Director of Payroll

Director of Payroll

Role Overview

The Director of Payroll leads the strategy, governance, and execution of payroll operations across a global workforce. This role is responsible for consolidating disparate payroll systems, ensuring accurate and compliant payroll processing, and establishing a long‑term roadmap for payroll and HRIS platforms. The director oversees a global payroll team, partners closely with HR, Finance, and IT, and ensures that payroll operations meet the highest standards of accuracy, timeliness, and SOX compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Strategy & Leadership

• Lead the global payroll function, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across all regions.
• Develop a unified payroll operating model that supports scalability, standardization, and global consistency.
• Build, mentor, and develop a high‑performing payroll team with clear accountability and service standards.
• Establish KPIs and dashboards to monitor payroll accuracy, timeliness, and operational performance.

Systems Consolidation & Technology Roadmap

• Lead the consolidation of multiple payroll platforms into a streamlined, integrated global payroll ecosystem.
• Evaluate and select payroll and HRIS systems, including UKG, ADP, Ceridian, Workday, and other regional solutions.
• Partner with IT and HRIS teams to design and implement a long‑term systems roadmap that supports organizational growth.
• Oversee system integrations, data flows, and process automation to reduce manual work and improve accuracy.

HRIS & Payroll System Governance

• Serve as the executive owner for payroll‑related system configurations, workflows, and data governance.
• Ensure alignment between payroll, HRIS, timekeeping, and financial systems.
• Oversee testing, change management, and rollout of new system features, upgrades, and enhancements.
• Maintain strong documentation and process controls to support SOX compliance and audit readiness.
• Lead the implementation of new HR modules (e.g., performance management, advanced compensation, talent acquisition) that drive business value and operational scalability.

Global Payroll Operations

• Oversee payroll processing across multiple countries, ensuring compliance with local tax, labor, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage relationships with external payroll vendors and service providers.
• Ensure accurate calculation of wages, bonuses, overtime, benefits, deductions, and statutory reporting.
• Partner with HR and Finance on compensation changes, year‑end processing, and regulatory updates.

SOX Compliance & Internal Controls

• Maintain a SOX‑compliant payroll environment with strong internal controls, segregation of duties, and audit trails.
• Partner with Internal Audit to support walkthroughs, testing, and remediation.
• Ensure payroll processes meet corporate governance standards and withstand audit scrutiny.

Training, Communication & Change Leadership

• Develop and deliver training programs for payroll staff, HR partners, and system users.
• Communicate policy changes, system updates, and process improvements across the organization.
• Lead change management efforts during system consolidations, process redesigns, and organizational transitions.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with HR, Finance, Legal, and IT to ensure alignment across compensation, benefits, timekeeping, and financial reporting.
• Support M&A activities, including payroll integration, system migration, and onboarding of new entities.
• Collaborate with HRIS and IT teams to ensure data accuracy, security, and compliance across all platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, HR, or related field; CPP certification preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive payroll leadership experience, including global payroll oversight.
• Deep expertise with payroll platforms such as UKG, ADP, Ceridian, Workday, and other regional systems.
• Strong understanding of HRIS architecture, integrations, and data governance.
• Demonstrated experience consolidating payroll systems and leading large‑scale implementations.
• Strong knowledge of SOX controls, payroll compliance, and audit requirements.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder‑management skills.

• Experience in multi‑country payroll operations across North America, EMEA, APAC, or LATAM.
• Background in process automation, shared services, or global business services.
• Experience with M&A integration and organizational transformation.
• Familiarity with timekeeping systems, benefits administration, and financial close processes.