Director of Payroll

Job Title: Director of Payroll

Overview:

Are you a seasoned payroll leader ready to make a significant impact? We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Payroll to oversee and optimize payroll operations for a rapidly evolving organization. This is a critical leadership role that ensures payroll accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across multiple business units.

Employment Type: Contract to hire

Schedule: Remote or hybrid out of Denver, standard working hours

Pay: $76-78/hr

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in payroll management, exceptional leadership skills, and experience navigating a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. Join us and lead our payroll team through growth and innovation while ensuring our employees are accurately and timely paid.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee all payroll operations across multiple business units within a shared services environment, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing.

• Develop, implement, and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and systems that support operational efficiency while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to streamline payroll processes, enhance automation, and improve the employee experience.

• Ensure the accurate and timely payment of wages, bonuses, commissions, and other compensation in accordance with company policies and applicable agreements.

• Partner closely with Human Resources, Finance, and other cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of payroll with broader business operations.

• Monitor payroll performance metrics and key indicators to identify trends, mitigate risks, and implement process improvements that increase accuracy and efficiency.

• Stay informed on changes to payroll legislation, tax requirements, and industry best practices to ensure ongoing compliance and minimize organizational risk.

• Manage relationships with external payroll vendors, service providers, auditors, and government agencies as needed.

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing payroll team by providing mentorship, training, and ongoing professional development opportunities.

• Serve as the organization's payroll subject matter expert, advising leadership and internal stakeholders on payroll policies, compliance requirements, and complex payroll matters.

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, as well as company policies and internal controls.

• Participate in special projects and strategic initiatives that support organizational goals and drive operational excellence.

Required Skills:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive payroll management experience, preferably in healthcare or staffing sectors
• Expertise with ADP and Workday payroll systems
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations and compliance
• Proven leadership and team development skills, managing teams of 30 payroll professionals
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
• Effective communication skills, capable of engaging with stakeholders at all levels
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with frequent organizational changes

Nice to Have Skills:

• Master’s degree or CPA certification
• Experience working in multi-company or divisional organizational structures
• Prior experience in healthcare or staffing industries
• Familiarity with payroll processes during mergers and acquisitions

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
• 10 years of progressive payroll experience with a focus on leadership and compliance
• Hands-on experience with ADP and Workday payroll platforms
• Prior experience managing payroll in multi-unit or complex organizational settings

Other Requirements:

• Ability to work in a flexible schedule environment with potential for overtime, especially during initial onboarding
• Comfortable working in a fast-changing environment with frequent acquisitions and organizational shifts
• This role may require working remotely or locally in Denver, with most team members based in Denver
• Physical ability to sit at a workstation for extended periods and lift up to 15 pounds as needed

Take the next step in your payroll leadership career—apply now and become a vital part of a company that values innovation, accuracy, and exceptional team management!