Upstream Rehabilitation is looking for a Director of Payroll, Retirement & HRMS to join our team!

Director of Payroll, Retirement and HRMS

Location Type: Remote

Build Your Career with Us!

Upstream Rehabilitation is the country’s largest dedicated provider of outpatient physical and occupational therapy services. Our mission is to inspire and empower the lives we touch, to serve our communities, and to lead with purpose-driven passion.

We are committed to delivering remarkable experiences and fostering an inclusive workplace where differences are valued and celebrated. With 1,200+ locations nationwide, 26 brand partners, and 8,000+ employees, Upstream operates at scale while leveraging data, technology, and innovation to drive smarter decisions and operational excellence across the organization.

The Role:

We’re looking for a Director of Payroll, Retirement and Human Resources Management Systems (HRMS) to join our team. In this role, you will oversee all aspects of multi-state payroll, retirement benefits and our HRMS platform, ensuring accuracy, compliance and exceptional service delivery. You will shape both the strategic direction and day-to-day execution of these functions – driving process improvements, strengthening policies and controls, and aligning programs with organizational goals and regulatory requirements. You’ll also play a key role in optimizing workflows and supporting a seamless employee experience across the organization. In this role, you’ll be an essential contributor to Upstream’s mission, vision, and values, helping build a strong, informed and supportive workplace for all employees.

What You’ll Do:

• Ensure enterprise-wide compliance with all federal, state and local payroll tax regulations, while overseeing accurate processing of payroll transactions, retirement contributions, garnishments and levies.
• Lead and strengthen payroll controls, including developing, implementing, and maintaining safeguards, reconciliation processes, and pre-/post-payroll audits to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing.
• Oversee payroll data integrity, including updates to employee records such as exemptions, insurance coverage, deductions, job titles, and transfers. Proactively identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Provide guidance and support to the payroll team on payroll operations, tax reporting, and company policies, fostering consistency, accuracy and continuous improvement.
• Serve as the 401(k) Plan Administrator, collaborating with our Third-Party Administrator (TPA) on year-end audits, compliance reporting and plan oversight.
• Review and enhance payroll practices, recommending updates to policies, procedures, and workflows to maintain compliance and improve efficiency.
• Monitor legislative changes and advise leadership on required updates to policies, processes, and system configurations to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Other projects and duties as assigned.

Who You Are:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; a combination of education and experience will be considered.
• 5+ years of experience of multi-state payroll experience with extensive knowledge of payroll preparation, balancing, internal controls, and payroll tax regulations.
• 2+ years of people leadership experience, with proven ability to coach, develop and lead high-performing teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify issues, recommend and implement solutions.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to collaborate effectively across internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and navigate shifting demands in a fast‑paced environment with professionalism and sound judgment.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills, with a commitment to accuracy and continuous improvement.
• Strong understanding of confidentiality requirements, with the ability to safeguard sensitive payroll and employee information.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Nice to Haves:

• PHR or SHRM-CP Certification.
• Experience with ADP.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• The chance to directly shape our organization’s growth by hiring the talent that drives our mission.
• Opportunities to stretch your skills—whether you’re building pipelines, designing sourcing strategies, or advising leadership.
• A collaborative team environment where your ideas are valued.
• Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and ongoing professional