Director of Financial Operations

Williams College•Williamstown, MA

17h•Hybrid

About The Position

Williams College is seeking a Director of Financial Operations to join the College’s Finance team. This position will oversee the College’s disbursement operations in Workday, which includes the Payroll and Accounts Payable processes. This role will manage, mentor, and develop a team of four: a Payroll Manager, a Payroll Specialist, an Accounts Payable Manager and a Staff Accountant. The Director is responsible for ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, maintaining high levels of service for internal and external customers, monitoring internal controls, ensuring proper accounting procedures, and continuous process improvement. The Director will serve as a subject matter expert for payroll and accounts payable related tax reporting and compliance and will collaborate with internal departments such as Human Resources, Risk Management & Purchasing, General Counsel, Student Financial Services, etc. to address tax implications for independent contractors, non-U.S. citizens within with the U.S., and foreign national students.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, finance or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
A minimum of 7 years experience in higher education or non-profit/unionized environment payroll operations and related tax compliance, preferably including 1-3 years of accounts payable operations within that time period.
Knowledge of not-for-profit financial reporting, finance operations and payroll, preferably in higher education.
A sophisticated skillset of presenting information to support analysis and decision making, both verbally and written.
Excellent organizational skills; ability to plan work, set and manage multiple priorities and changes in schedules to meet anticipated and established deadlines; effectively team collaboration to bring about the successful completion of deliverables.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred, CPA or related financial/tax designation desired.
Experience in higher education, Workday, and tax reporting software such as Sprintax preferred

Responsibilities

Provide strategic oversight of all payroll and accounts payable operations, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing of all processes.
Maintain and improve disbursement processes, internal controls, and standard operating procedures to enhance efficiency, consistency, and transparency.
Monitor and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to wages, tax withholdings, benefits deductions, independent contractor status, etc.
Serve as the primary point of escalation for complex payroll scenarios (e.g., leaves, retroactive adjustments, sabbaticals, split appointments, and terminations).
Support continuous improvement efforts by streamlining payroll, time and absence processes, adopting best practices and ensuring robust internal controls.
Serves as a liaison between faculty, staff, and suppliers on complex payment issues.
Provides support, guidance, and instruction through training sessions, job aids, and other means of supporting end-users.
Collaborate with the Controller and Assistant Controller to ensure proper accounting treatment and internal control compliance relating to issuing payments.
Collaborate with the Director of Risk Management & Procurement to oversee the Purchasing Card program, the Procurement module, and associated business processes.
Maintain an expert-level understanding of federal, state and local payroll tax regulations.
Proactively identify and coordinate with Human Resources and other relevant parties changes in wage and hour laws, FICA, SUI, and workers' compensation requirements to ensure the College remains in compliance.
Serves as an advisor to the Associate Vice President for Finance and the Controller on tax matters relating to compensation and disbursements.
Provides high-level analysis and support for non-payroll tax filings (Forms 990, 990-T, Form 4720, state tax returns, and sales tax returns).