Director, Payroll

Reporting to the Vice President, Disbursements, the Director, Payroll will provide strategic leadership and oversight of all aspects of payroll shared services operations for the multi-entity multi-state organization with over 10,000 team members, including Tribal Members. This role is responsible for aligning payroll systems and operations with the entities overall business strategies, closely collaborating with Finance, Accounting, Legal, Human Resources and operational leaders to drive strategy and effectively mitigate financial, legal, compliance and operational risk. The Director plays a critical role in safeguarding payroll accuracy, maintaining confidentiality, and driving continuous improvement in payroll policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides strategic leadership to the payroll department, aligning strategies with organizational goals. Ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations including tax reporting, ensuring timely implementation of necessary changes.  Fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the team.

2. Develops and enforces payroll policies for consistency, accuracy, compliance and risk mitigation. Resolves complex payroll issues and advise senior leadership on payroll-related issues and compliance. Governs all system implementations, integrations and upgrades by ensuring appropriate and succinct planning with cross-functional teams and timelines. Implements and maintains payroll systems and technology to improve efficiency and accuracy. Drives continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring optimization of payroll system controls and their impact on the overall business.

3. Oversees internal and external payroll audits, ensuring compliance and accurate records. Keeps stakeholders informed about payroll laws and regulations and develops implementation plans. Analyzes and addresses payroll data integrity issues. Provides data and insights for financial planning, audits, and compliance reporting. Maintains strong relationships with auditors and regulatory bodies.

4. Ensures the payroll system complies with federal, multi-state, and local laws by establishing controls and monitoring results. Collaborates with Human Resources, IT, and external providers to adapt processes. Analyzes and addresses payroll data integrity issues and develops solutions for accuracy and reliability. Defines operational KPIs and SLAs and ensure contract compliance. Leads cross-functional teams to address and resolves payroll-related challenges.

5. Leads payroll during crises, ensuring operational continuity. Stays updated with payroll laws and engages in continuous learning and professional development. Represents the department on various committees and fosters a culturally aware work environment.

6. Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning reviewing and directing work; evaluating and appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Makes hiring decisions and designs individual development plans with succession planning in mind for all key roles.

 EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• Minimum ten (10) years of progressive payroll experience in high volume employee count electronic payroll systems required.
• Minimum seven (7) years of managing teams within payroll required.
• Related, relevant, and/or direct experience may be considered in lieu of minimum educational requirements indicated above.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA)

• In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws and tax regulations.
• Proficiency in payroll software and systems (e.g., ADP or SAP) is required.
• Experience in Workday system highly preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to acquire In-depth understanding of Tribal Employment Rights Ordinances (TERO) and other Native American employment laws.
• Familiarity with the unique payroll requirements and compliance issues related to Native American tribes.
• Must have executive presence and be able to present to Executives and Boards.
• Must be able to demonstrate influential and negotiation skills with executive leadership.
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