Director of Payroll

Start date: ASAP

Salary: $135,000-$180,000

Location: New York, N.Y.

ABOUT ORCHESTRA

Orchestra is a strategic communications and marketing company built for today’s complex and fragmented world. From decoding audiences to designing bold strategies, Orchestra integrates people, platforms, and stories that stick to help clients build lasting influence. The company offers programs that span from the highest level strategic business counsel through to tactical execution. Orchestra brings together 700 people with experience across consumer and lifestyle, technology, nonprofit and philanthropy, real estate, sports, travel, hospitality, and more. Made up of leading firms BerlinRosen, Civitas Public Affairs Group, Derris, Glen Echo Group, Inkhouse, M18, Message Lab, Onward and Small Girls PR. It also launched Brightmode, a talent acquisition firm for communications professionals, and Versus Media Group, a strategy-first political media team. Learn more at www.orchestraco.com.

People of color, people with disabilities and women are strongly encouraged to apply. Orchestra is committed to building and maintaining a diverse staff and recognizes that its continued success depends on hiring and retaining high-quality creative professionals with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Opportunities for advancement exist and we are committed to helping all staff develop and grow.

ABOUT THE ORCHESTRA FINANCE TEAM

The Orchestra Finance Team oversees financial results and works with our teams on client finance, growth strategies and the overall financial health of the company. We are responsible for the successful integration with our new partner companies as well as any future acquisition activity.

We work with management and other key agency stakeholders to drive profitability and monitor key performance indicators. We are growing a team of experienced finance professionals, change agents, Excel masters and complex problem-solvers to collaborate cross-functionally to assess financial strategies, systems and processes in an effort to drive the full-cycle financial health of all our clients.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

Orchestra is seeking a Director of Payroll to join the Finance team. The Director of Payroll is responsible for the strategic oversight and hands-on execution of payroll operations for Orchestra’s growing, multi-state workforce. This role will lead all payroll activities, including processing, compliance, benefits integration (e.g., 401(k)), and coordination with HR and Legal on employment matters. The ideal candidate is detail-obsessed, system-savvy, a strong communicator and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment.

This role reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer.

Role location: This role is based on a hybrid basis in our New York, N.Y. office. The Finance team is in-office 3 days per week. 

ACCOUNTABILITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

As the Director of Payroll, you will…

Payroll Execution & Oversight

• Oversee end-to-end semi-monthly and off-cycle payroll for 700 employees across multiple states
• Ensure accurate, timely processing of payroll in compliance with federal, state and local regulations
• Maintain and update payroll policies, procedures and controls aligned with best practices and SOX standards

System Management & Optimization

• Serve as Payroll system owner (preferably Paylocity or similar enterprise platform); manage upgrades, integrations and data integrity
• Collaborate with HRIS/Finance teams to ensure seamless payroll-benefit data flow
• Lead the implementation of automation and workflow improvements within the payroll lifecycle

Benefits & 401(k) Integration

• Administer and reconcile benefit deductions, including health plans, HSA/FSA and 401(k) (Fidelity)
• Ensure timely 401(k) funding and reporting, including compliance testing, match processing and audit support

Compliance & Audit

• Ensure full compliance with all applicable payroll tax laws and regulations (federal, state, and local)
• File and reconcile multi-state payroll tax filings; work closely with external tax advisors as needed
• Support annual audits (financial, 401(k), workers comp) with detailed payroll records and reconciliations

Employee Lifecycle & Legal Interface

• Partner with HR and Legal on payroll-related matters including onboarding, terminations, severance agreements, garnishments and leaves
• Support employment-related disputes and compliance reviews, coordinating with external employment attorneys when necessary

Leadership & Communication

• Lead, develop, and mentor two direct reports in the payroll team
• Act as a point of contact for payroll escalations; ensure high service levels to internal stakeholders
• Communicate effectively with Finance, HR, Legal and department heads to ensure alignment and transparency

Proactive Controls & Reporting

• Design and implement payroll controls, reporting dashboards and reconciliation processes
• Identify risks, gaps and process inefficiencies—proposing solutions before problems arise
• Generate and present payroll insights to Finance and Leadership.

Essential skills:

• 8 years of payroll experience; 2 years in a leadership role 
• Experience managing payroll in a multi-state U.S. environment (including NY, NJ, CA, TX, etc.)
• Deep knowledge of payroll tax compliance, wage and hour laws and benefits administration
• Familiarity with employment lifecycle events (onboarding, offboarding, severance, terminations)
• Hands-on experience with 401(k) administration and compliance (preferably with Fidelity)
• Experience working with employment attorneys or handling sensitive payroll-related legal matters
• Demonstrated ability to set up and maintain strong internal controls and audit processes
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal skills; able to build trust and influence across departments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred:

• Experience with Paylocity, ADP, Workday, or similar large payroll/HCM platforms
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or other relevant certification
• Experience scaling payroll operations in a high-growth or PE-backed environment

WORKING AT ORCHESTRA

Salary (commensurate with experience and skills): $135,000-$180,000

This role is eligible for end-of-year bonuses based on firm, team, and individual performance

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