Director of Payroll and Retirement Plan Compliance

Detroit Lions•Allen Park, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Payroll and Retirement Plan Compliance ensures the efficient and effective operations of the organization’s payroll function in a multi-location, multi-state environment which includes players, exempt, non-exempt, temporary workers, independent contractors, and union employees.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field required
Minimum of 10 year’s experience in accounting and payroll
In-depth knowledge of payroll tax laws, filing requirements, and payroll compliance standards
Experience with Dayforce or similar software required
Proficient in Windows environment with strong Excel skills
A valid Driver’s License and a good driving record
Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays

Nice To Haves

Experience in sports and entertainment preferred
CPP designation preferred

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee all payroll processing and related activities
Supervise payroll staff in execution of the payroll process
Liaison with staff members, including executive management, on payroll information and requests (i.e. out of state taxation, fringe benefits, etc.)
Maintain an understanding of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement as it relates to player and staff payroll implications
Verify a variety of payroll related information such as timesheets, direct deposits, wage garnishments and benefit deductions
Prepare/review manual tax calculations deducted from paychecks regarding city/state withholding requirements for players and staff that perform services on trips made to “away games”
Responsible for managing automated process of remitting payroll taxes and the processing of all federal, state, and local withholdings, as well as unemployment taxes, and the quarterly 941 submissions and W-2 generation
Interface with payroll service vendor to resolve problems and address issues as they arise, while working in partnership with HRIS system owner. Additionally stay up-to-date with system updates and technology trends in the payroll industry.
Manage all tasks necessary to accomplish the organization’s payroll processing objectives, including maintaining relationships with internal stakeholders and external auditors
Perform periodic internal audits of various payroll areas
Ensure compliance with all payroll related benefit deductions, including ERISA benefit regulations, specifically:
Test 401k eligibility and match for each pay cycle
Administer, test and audit player 401k plan
Review pay cycle for appropriate IRS limits on applicable benefits (H.S.A, F.S.A, 401k, etc)
Test file feeds to/from outside vendors as appropriate to ensure changes are captured in pay cycle, in partnership with HRIS system owner
Ensure plan year-end and calendar year-end reconciliations are performed
Collaborate with third party retirement plan vendors for any regulatory changes, plan changes, etc., in partnership with the People Team
Ensure 401k plans are following applicable plan documents
Test new benefit rates implemented during the open enrollment process, in partnership with the People Team
Work with the People Team on eligibility and ongoing employee changes as it relates to payroll
Lead role with 401k and Workers’ Compensation annual audits
Develop uniform and consistent payroll policies, practices and procedures
Recommend improvements and modifications as needed
Use the payroll/HRIS platform to obtain accuracy and efficiency over the payroll process
Develop a corporate payroll strategy including planning, communications and marketing of the payroll function and related services within the organization
Research and prepare management reports
Provide appropriate direction to players and their respective financial advisors regarding withholding policies, including during evening hours and weekends
Attend administrative player meetings as requested to present appropriate payroll information
Assist with annual NFL audit on payroll testing and reporting needs
Log and respond to all state payroll tax request notices, and lead payroll audits as incurred
Ensure annual IRS updates are implemented and tested in HRIS system, in partnership with HRIS system owner
Maintain current knowledge of, and compliance with, all applicable state, federal and local wage laws and regulations
Prepare monthly journal entries to the general ledger
Ensure integrity of the database, as it relates to payroll and the general ledger
Maintain current knowledge of all technological resources, specifically relating to HRIS system, including best practices and periodic updates to Dayforce, as it relates to payroll
Will maintain an appropriate level of knowledge of payroll and accounting system(s) and software being used
Will have a working knowledge of tax filings
Will participate in team meetings, providing input and suggestions related to payroll as well as recommendations for processes and procedures
Must be self-motivated and able to work independently or as part of a team
Must be able to communicate with player agents and financial representatives
Must be accurate and efficient with ability to meet deadlines
Must be detail oriented with strong organizational skills
Will adjust work schedule to meet departmental demands
Will keep appropriate information confidential
Will accept other responsibilities and duties required by the supervisor consistent with the objectives and essential functions of this position. Such responsibilities shall be incorporated into the position description if they are ongoing
Will advise supervisor if actual practice (activity) begins to deviate significantly from specified essential functions