Director of Payroll

Everest Search Partners•San Luis Obispo, CA

About The Position

Everest Client seeks an experienced, hands-on Director of Payroll to lead and oversee payroll operations. This is an opportunity to take ownership of payroll processing, compliance, systems, controls, and continuous improvement while partnering closely with Finance, Human Resources, and business leadership. The role offers the opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization whose work has a meaningful impact on the lives of children and adults.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of progressively responsible payroll experience, including experience overseeing payroll operations
Hands-on payroll processing experience within a mid-sized organization or similarly complex environment.
Strong knowledge of payroll administration, payroll taxes, wage and hour regulations, and compliance requirements.
Experience managing payroll across multiple states, jurisdictions, or entities.
Experience with payroll systems and HRIS platforms, with the ability to learn new systems quickly.
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, along with strong analytical, reconciliation, and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead a small team and work effectively with Finance, HR, and senior leadership.
Excellent communication skills and a high degree of accuracy, discretion, and confidentiality.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

CPP preferred

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end domestic payroll operations, with oversight of international payroll activities as applicable.
Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing while maintaining compliance with federal, state, local, and applicable international requirements.
Oversee payroll tax filings, registrations, year-end activities, W-2s, reconciliations, and payroll-related liabilities.
Partner with Finance and Accounting on payroll reconciliations, reporting, variance analysis, and month- and year-end close activities.
Collaborate with HR and business leaders to ensure accurate employee data, compensation, benefits, timekeeping, PTO, and other payroll-related transactions.
Develop and maintain payroll policies, procedures, internal controls, and documentation.
Lead, coach, and develop a small payroll team while maintaining a high level of service to employees and management.
Provide payroll reporting, analytics, and insights to Finance leadership and senior management.
Support audits, regulatory reviews, workers’ compensation audits, and other compliance activities.
Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, systems, controls, efficiency, and the employee experience.