Payroll Director & Department Head

This position is posted by Jobgether on behalf of a partner company. We are currently looking for a Payroll Director & Department Head in United States.

This leadership role offers the opportunity to shape and elevate a high-impact payroll function within a dynamic and people-focused environment. The position combines strategic oversight with hands-on operational leadership, ensuring the delivery of accurate, compliant, and high-quality payroll services across a diverse client portfolio. Working remotely, you will lead and mentor a dedicated payroll team while driving process optimization, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role is ideal for an experienced payroll professional who thrives in fast-paced environments, values operational excellence, and enjoys building scalable systems and strong team cultures. You will collaborate cross-functionally with leadership, clients, and internal stakeholders to enhance service delivery and strengthen long-term partnerships. The role also offers the chance to influence the future direction of the department through innovation, coaching, and strategic decision-making.

• Lead, mentor, and develop the payroll team through regular coaching, performance feedback, and professional growth initiatives
• Oversee end-to-end multi-state and multi-client payroll operations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, compliance, and service excellence
• Act as the primary escalation point and subject matter expert for complex payroll matters, tax regulations, compliance questions, and year-end processing
• Drive quality assurance efforts by implementing and monitoring payroll audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Manage team capacity, workload distribution, and operational efficiency to maintain high service standards and productivity goals
• Identify opportunities to enhance payroll processes through automation, AI tools, and technology-driven improvements
• Collaborate with leadership, sales teams, and clients to support onboarding, payroll consulting, service expansion, and relationship management
• Contribute to strategic planning and operational alignment within a structured, growth-oriented organizational framework

Requirements

• 7+ years of payroll experience, including expertise in multi-state and multi-client or multi-entity payroll environments
• Strong understanding of payroll regulations, wage and tax laws, payroll auditing practices, and compliance standards
• Proven experience leading, coaching, and developing payroll teams in a collaborative and performance-driven environment
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources, Accounting, or a related field preferred
• Advanced knowledge of payroll systems, payroll technologies, and process optimization strategies
• Experience leveraging automation and AI tools to improve operational efficiency, scalability, and service quality
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail and confidentiality
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with clients
• Adaptability and comfort working in a growing organization where processes evolve continuously
• Availability to work within Eastern or Central Time Zone business hours

Benefits

• Salary range of $110,000–$125,000 depending on experience
• Fully remote work environment with limited travel requirements
• 3 weeks of front-loaded PTO plus company-paid holidays and sick time
• Fully company-paid employee healthcare coverage
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Family telemedicine services
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(k) plan with generous company match
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Quarterly company events, retreats, and employee appreciation programs
• Anniversary recognition, gifts, and additional employee perks
• Supportive, collaborative, and positive work culture.