Director of Payroll

Arclin•Alpharetta, GA

About The Position

The Director of Payroll leads the strategy, governance, and execution of payroll operations across a global workforce. This role is responsible for consolidating disparate payroll systems, ensuring accurate and compliant payroll processing, and establishing a long‑term roadmap for payroll and HRIS platforms. The director oversees a global payroll team, partners closely with HR, Finance, and IT, and ensures that payroll operations meet the highest standards of accuracy, timeliness, and SOX compliance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, HR, or related field; CPP certification preferred.
10+ years of progressive payroll leadership experience, including global payroll oversight.
Deep expertise with payroll platforms such as UKG, ADP, Ceridian, Workday, and other regional systems.
Strong understanding of HRIS architecture, integrations, and data governance.
Demonstrated experience consolidating payroll systems and leading large‑scale implementations.
Strong knowledge of SOX controls, payroll compliance, and audit requirements.
Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder‑management skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in multi‑country payroll operations across North America, EMEA, APAC, or LATAM.
Background in process automation, shared services, or global business services.
Experience with M&A integration and organizational transformation.
Familiarity with timekeeping systems, benefits administration, and financial close processes.

Responsibilities

Lead the global payroll function, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across all regions.
Develop a unified payroll operating model that supports scalability, standardization, and global consistency.
Build, mentor, and develop a high‑performing payroll team with clear accountability and service standards.
Establish KPIs and dashboards to monitor payroll accuracy, timeliness, and operational performance.
Lead the consolidation of multiple payroll platforms into a streamlined, integrated global payroll ecosystem.
Evaluate and select payroll and HRIS systems, including UKG, ADP, Ceridian, Workday, and other regional solutions.
Partner with IT and HRIS teams to design and implement a long‑term systems roadmap that supports organizational growth.
Oversee system integrations, data flows, and process automation to reduce manual work and improve accuracy.
Serve as the executive owner for payroll‑related system configurations, workflows, and data governance.
Ensure alignment between payroll, HRIS, timekeeping, and financial systems.
Oversee testing, change management, and rollout of new system features, upgrades, and enhancements.
Maintain strong documentation and process controls to support SOX compliance and audit readiness.
Lead the implementation of new HR modules (e.g., performance management, advanced compensation, talent acquisition) that drive business value and operational scalability.
Oversee payroll processing across multiple countries, ensuring compliance with local tax, labor, and regulatory requirements.
Manage relationships with external payroll vendors and service providers.
Ensure accurate calculation of wages, bonuses, overtime, benefits, deductions, and statutory reporting.
Partner with HR and Finance on compensation changes, year‑end processing, and regulatory updates.
Maintain a SOX‑compliant payroll environment with strong internal controls, segregation of duties, and audit trails.
Partner with Internal Audit to support walkthroughs, testing, and remediation.
Ensure payroll processes meet corporate governance standards and withstand audit scrutiny.
Develop and deliver training programs for payroll staff, HR partners, and system users.
Communicate policy changes, system updates, and process improvements across the organization.
Lead change management efforts during system consolidations, process redesigns, and organizational transitions.
Partner with HR, Finance, Legal, and IT to ensure alignment across compensation, benefits, timekeeping, and financial reporting.
Support M&A activities, including payroll integration, system migration, and onboarding of new entities.
Collaborate with HRIS and IT teams to ensure data accuracy, security, and compliance across all platforms.