Director of Payroll

Waterton Search • Chicago, IL

17h • $135,000 - $160,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

About Waterton Waterton has grown from very humble beginnings with one phone and two desks to the successful, nationally recognized real estate investment and management firm it is today. As Waterton has evolved and grown, one thing has remained constant - the drive to achieve results by exceeding expectations. For 30 years Waterton remains passionate about delivering an incredible Resident Experience, which we believe is made possible by offering an extraordinary experience for our talented associates. We value performance that delivers experiences that exceed expectations, coupled with an unwavering commitment to Investor, Guest, and Resident service excellence. Overall, we are a collection of people who strive daily to “find the good and leave it better”. Job Summary The Director of Payroll is accountable for the governance, oversight and leadership of all aspects of payroll. This includes working with their team to lead day-to-day payroll and timekeeping operations, providing project management, and supporting payroll tax & accounting and internal/external audit requirements. This role drives continuous improvements in the operational efficiency of payroll through strong leadership and communication, analyzing processes and trends, and leveraging existing and emerging technology.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive payroll experience in a multi-state environment.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in managing payroll professionals.
• Extensive experience with UKG (HRIS) and WFM (Timekeeping) required.
• Advanced computer skills; proficient in all Microsoft Office products with advanced Excel skills.
• Demonstrated advanced analytical skills with a high degree of attention to detail.
• Demonstrated experience with constantly shifting priorities with a high sense of urgency and without loss of efficiency.
• Proven ability to train, motivate, evaluate, mentor, and direct team members.
• Demonstrated experience maintaining excellent relations with colleagues and also maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• Experienced in determining content for and leading department meetings.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, human resources or related field preferred.
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and direct all elements of payroll, including all cash and non-cash compensation processing.
• Accountable for the financial regulatory integrity of the payroll process.
• Lead, mentor and develop payroll team responsible for bi-weekly, multi-state payroll. This includes providing professional growth and development opportunities and creating an environment of service, knowledge, and accountability.
• Establish team goals, objectives, and standards, including measuring progress and providing critical feedback.
• Direct the compiling, tabulation, and balancing of Federal, FICA, state and unemployment taxes.
• Ensure compliance in garnishment processing, including reporting and agency interaction.
• Collaborate with HRIS team to ensure payroll and timekeeping systems and their processes are properly set up and maintained to comply with existing and changing tax, garnishment, all wage and hour federal/state/local guidelines, as well as collectively bargained time and absence provisions.
• Partner with Operations, Human Resources senior leadership, and Accounting teams to review cross-departmental impacts and implement best practices.
• Oversee all aspects of payroll accounting, including general ledger posting and balance sheet reconciliations of accrued payroll and tax liabilities, and other miscellaneous as assigned.
• Partner with HRIS on the configuration of the company timekeeping system.
• Ensure employee timekeeping training and resources are in place and maintained.
• Oversight of General Payroll Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); makes and communicates updates as needed.
• Maintains awareness of current practices in payroll processing and keeps the various departments within the Company informed about changes in all current payroll and tax regulations, laws and policies.
• Responsible for the accounting and all monthly/quarterly/annual accounting close requirements for payroll.
• Oversee payroll tax and payroll processing services with third-party outsourcing partners.
• Ensure compliance with payroll tax filings and related returns, year-end preparation and the issuing of W-2 forms accurately and within established deadlines.
• Implement and report on key metrics to monitor manage and improve quality and efficiency.
• Provide reporting on payroll and timekeeping KPIs.
• Detailed working knowledge and technical mastery of complex compliance and regulatory requirements for multi-state payroll processing.
• Provide direction, coaching, and mentoring of assigned team member, leading the team to respond to pay, benefit, payroll tax, and compensation inquiries from management, associates, and outside agencies.
• Lead the development and achievement of team-specific, department, and organizational goals.
• Leads with and role models a focus on collaboration and responsiveness.
• Lead with a project management mindset, being flexible and nimble in recognizing and adjusting to necessary changes in supporting the organization, maintaining control of overall agenda and including others as appropriate to drive project completion and provide developmental opportunities for others.
• Create disciplined processes with emphasis on leveraging Waterton approved technology as extensively as possible.
• Proactively participate in establishing and managing to annual budget.
• Bring a strong ethical approach to execution of work and leadership, modeling careful and conservative, detail-oriented approaches to work in accordance with company standards and federal/state regulations, make decisions carefully and cautiously within the guidelines of established company policy.
• Model a strong and practical sense of urgency, driving completion for own and team’s work with accuracy and in accordance with company standards and policies.
• Leverage persuasive collaboration and communication skills to engage productively with direct team members, the entire HR team, senior leadership, and all other colleagues.
• Partner with HR Leadership Team, Finance, and other business stakeholders on cross-functional projects.
• Partner and lead activities and events that support Waterton’s culture and philanthropic activities as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and incentive program participation
• Full suite of benefits, including Medical, Dental, Life, Disability, and even pet insurance
• 401k + match
• Generous paid time off, volunteer time off, and paid holidays
• A commitment to life-long learning through learning plans that include internal and external trainings, as well as consideration for tuition reimbursement.
• Employee discounts and wellness initiatives, like an onsite gym.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director