Director of Payroll Operations

Overview

POSITION TITLE (Oracle title)

DIRECTOR

 

WORKING TITLE

Director-Payroll Operations 

 

SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT

Compensation Services

 

LOCATION

Crossroads III, Cary, NC

 

PAY GRADE

Director Band 2

 

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

 

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

No

 

WORK WEEK SCHEDULE

Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends) Position is available for a hybrid telework workweek 

 

POSITION PURPOSE:

Responsible for overseeing the accurate, timely processing and reporting of payroll for approximately 26,000 employees within the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS). Ensures strict compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while driving initiatives related to technical processing, data validation, and financial reconciliation. Plays a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission by leading efficient, compliant, and data-driven payroll operations that support both organizational goals and employee satisfaction.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Equal Pay Act, and other relevant regulations;

• Comprehensive knowledge of payroll software (e.g., ADP, Workday, Kronos) and HRIS systems, with expertise in data integration across enterprise platforms (HR, finance), system upgrades, and maintaining data accuracy and compliance with privacy regulations (GDPR, HIPAA);

• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Google Apps;

• Skilled in analyzing payroll data, identifying discrepancies, resolving complex payroll issues swiftly, and making informed decisions that balance compliance, cost-efficiency, and operational effectiveness;

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to clearly articulate payroll policies and procedures, with a strong focus on delivering outstanding employee support and resolving payroll-related inquiries efficiently;

• Proven ability to lead, manage, and mentor payroll teams, collaborate effectively with cross-functional departments (HR, finance, IT), and influence senior leadership to drive continuous process improvements;

• Ability to develop short and long-term initiatives;

• Ability to complete complex tasks and minimize errors with attention to detail;

• Ability to work independently and complete tasks in the absence of clear direction;

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school officials, administrators, teachers, support staff, vendors, and federal and state contacts.

 

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, or a related field; AND

• Seven years of related experience; AND

• Evidence of successful administrative/leadership experience;

• Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license according to the State of NC requirements.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s in business administration (MBA), Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), and/or other human resource and benefits related certifications;

• Experience working with Oracle-based accounting or payroll and benefits systems;

• Knowledge of North Carolina Retirement Plans and employer reporting requirements;

• Extensive knowledge of WCPSS or other state agency benefit offerings.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leads, supervises, and evaluates the payroll operations team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and high-performance customer service.

Provides coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to enhance team capabilities and ensure