Director, Payroll Operations & Accounting Operations Compliance

Position Overview

As a Director, Payroll & Accounting Operations Compliance, you will lead essential payroll and accounting functions that ensure timely, accurate associate payments and compliance with Federal and State regulations, SOX controls, and internal policies. This includes oversight of sales audit activities, vendor maintenance, escheatment, 1099 reporting, and other compliance critical workflows supporting accurate financial operations across CarMax. You will also enable transformational initiatives by developing innovative operational and technical solutions that strengthen systems, enhance security, and improve both customer and associate experiences. Success requires strong influence, collaboration, and alignment across internal and external partners.

Why CarMax?

At CarMax, we are the nation’s largest retailer of used cars with stores from coast to coast, and we are still growing. We’re rethinking the way people buy cars – and it’s our associates that help us do just that. We believe work should feel meaningful and rewarding, with opportunities to make an impact every day. This is where innovation meets passion – be inspired and supported to take us to the future.

Team Overview

The Accounting Operations Director oversees daily payroll and accounting workflows, month-end close activities, key compliance functions, and financial controls across the business. The Director serves as a primary partner to leaders across CarMax, ensuring aligned priorities, operational consistency, and scalable financial operations that support strategic transformation.

Role Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a strategic Payroll & Accounting Operations roadmap aligned with enterprise priorities, compliance needs, and financial practices.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to integrate accounting and payroll insights into planning and communicate complex information clearly.
• Advance technology use across teams to streamline workflows, enhance controls, and increase efficiency.
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, high performance, and learning.
• Lead and develop Payroll and Accounting Operations teams to ensure accurate, timely execution.
• Oversee escalated issues, reinforce effective internal controls, and conduct root cause analysis to prevent recurrence.
• Evaluate and refine processes, procedures, and policies to support compliance, scalability, and operational excellence.

Required Qualifications

• Influences and collaborates across the organization to achieve strategic and financial goals.
• Demonstrated leadership grounded in trust, transparency, integrity, and talent development.
• Takes initiative, drives improvements, and applies an ownership mindset to operational challenges.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen with the ability to simplify complex topics.
• Approaches challenges with a solutions mindset, balancing strategy and execution.
• Prioritizes effectively to deliver short and long-term results; operates independently with strong judgment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance or equivalent experience
• 10+ years accounting experience with GAAP knowledge; proficient in MS Office.
• Experience with internal controls and change management
• Travel as needed; must meet onsite requirements; internal candidates must complete LDP

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cloud-based ERP, Workday, robotics, OCR, and automation technologies

Work Location and Arrangement: This role will be based out of the CarMax Home Office in Richmond, VA and Associates will work onsite 4 days per week. 

Work Authorization:  Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Sponsorship will not be considered for this specific role.  

About CarMax 

CarMax disrupted the auto industry by delivering the honest, transparent and high-integrity experience customers want and deserve. This innovative thinking around the way cars are bought and sold has helped us become the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, with over 250 locations nationwide. 

Our amazing team of more than 25,000 associates work together to deliver iconic customer experiences. Along the way, we help every associate grow their career and achieve their best, at work and in their community.  We are recognized for our commitment to training and diversity and are one of the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For®. 

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:  

CarMax is committed to bringing together people from different backgrounds and perspectives, providing employees with a safe, welcoming, and inclusive work environment. 

CarMax is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Upon an applicant's request, CarMax will consider reasonable accommodation to complete the CarMax Job Application.