Reporting to the Vice President, Controller, the Director, Payroll and Accounts Payable will provide strategic leadership and oversight of all department operations for the multi-entity, multi-state organization with over 12,000 team members. The Director, Payroll and Accounts Payable is responsible for aligning payroll systems and operations with the company's overall business strategies, closely collaborating with Finance, Accounting, Legal, Human Resources, IT and operational leaders to drive strategy and effectively mitigate financial, legal, compliance and operational risk. The Director, Payroll and Accounts Payable plays a critical role in safeguarding payment accuracy, compliance, maintaining confidentiality, and driving continuous improvement in department policies and procedures.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Provides strategic leadership to the payroll and accounts payable departments, aligning strategies with organizational goals.
- Ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations including tax reporting, ensuring timely implementation of necessary changes. Keeps stakeholders informed about changes to payroll laws and regulations.
- Fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the team.
- Develops and enforces company and department policies for consistency, accuracy, compliance and risk mitigation. Resolves complex issues and advises senior leadership on department related issues and compliance.
- Manages payroll and accounts payable system integrations and upgrades by testing and coordinating with cross-functional teams. Implements new technology to improve efficiency and accuracy. Drives continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring optimization of system controls and their impact on the overall business.
- Oversees internal and external audits for Payroll and Accounts Payable functions, ensuring policy compliance and accurate record keeping.
- Provides data and insights for financial planning, budgeting, audits, and compliance reporting.
- Ensures the Workday system complies with federal, state, and local laws by establishing controls and monitoring results. Collaborates with Human Resources, IT, and external providers to adapt processes. Analyzes and addresses data integrity issues and develops solutions when needed.
- Leads departments during emergencies or interruptions, ensuring operational continuity.
- Represents the department on various committees, notably the Compliance Committee, and fosters a work environment that is open to collaboration.
- Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department.
- Leads the department in a culture of continuous improvement to improve efficiency while maintaining high standards for quality, accuracy and service level.
- Actively engages with Workday Community to keep current on changes to Workday systems and how they impact or could impact our business processes.
- Oversees 11 onshore and 10 offshore payroll and accounts payable team members ensuring optimum staffing levels and results.
- Maintain open communication and a direct partnership with the Human Resource and Benefits teams. Provide expertise when needed. Collaborate on compliance and process changes, advocating for the best interest of all departments.
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Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws and tax regulations.
- Proficiency in ERP software and systems is required.
- Experience with Workday is highly preferred.
- Experience with multi-location environments is required.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Ability to lead and work effectively in a changing environment.
- Must be able to represent and negotiate for the best interest of the department and company with internal and external parties.
- Advanced Excel skills required.
- Proven ability to provide leadership, guidance, collaboration, and empowerment.
- Possess the knowledge and discernment necessary to independently make decisions regarding personnel, department procedures and compliance.
- Demonstrated ability to drive business results.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Present information in a clear and concise manner with leadership, colleagues and team members.
- Act with integrity, professionalism, and personal responsibility to uphold the organization's values, vision and goals.
- Ability to meet deadlines and perform under pressure.
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Education and Work Experience Requirements
- Bachelor's degree preferred; work experience also considered.
- Previous leadership of Payroll and/or Accounts Payable team supporting a multi-state, multi-location organization required.
- Five+ years' supervisory experience required.