Executive Administrator - Payroll Operations

Meridian Services•Golden Valley, MN

1d•$105,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Orion Associates is a management services organization supporting mission‑driven human services entities, including Meridian Services, Orion ISO, and Zenith Services. For more than 20 years, our organizations have delivered high‑quality services while maintaining strong operational and financial integrity across multiple entities and states. Orion Associates has been recognized as a Minnesota Business Top 100 Best Companies to Work For. The Head of Payroll provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of payroll functions across multiple entities and jurisdictions. This role ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing and payroll tax administration in a complex, multi‑state environment. Internally titled Executive Administrator of Payroll Operations, this position focuses on strengthening payroll operations through leadership, standardization, and accountability rather than hands‑on payroll processing. The Head of Payroll leads through payroll directors and tax leadership, emphasizing operational consistency, process improvement, and performance management across payroll teams. Payroll Environment The Head of Payroll oversees a large‑scale, multi‑state payroll operation that includes: Payroll operations across six states: MN, UT, LA, SC, TN, and OH Approximately 15,000 W‑2s issued annually 49 payroll staff across multiple payroll teams Five direct reports, including: Four Directors of Payroll Operations One Director of Payroll Tax Payroll teams include payroll specialists, coordinators, leads, supervisors, and directors responsible for day‑to‑day payroll operations. Payroll services support both: Traditional employer payroll Self‑directed services payroll models Key systems and tools include: Dayforce HRIS (traditional payroll) DCI and Cashé EVV systems (self‑directed services payroll) Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains) for financial integration M‑Files for document management This leadership structure allows the Head of Payroll to focus on strategic oversight, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

7+ years of progressive payroll or payroll operations experience
5+ years of experience supervising payroll leadership (directors, managers, or supervisors)
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field
Strong knowledge of payroll tax compliance and multi‑state payroll operations
Demonstrated success managing complex payroll environments
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills

Nice To Haves

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), CPA, or similar professional certification
Experience overseeing payroll operations across multiple entities
Experience in healthcare, human services, or other highly regulated industries

Responsibilities

Payroll Operations Leadership: Provide leadership and oversight of payroll operations across multiple entities and states. Support payroll directors in managing teams, workloads, and operational priorities. Establish and maintain clear operational standards, controls, and expectations
Payroll Tax & Compliance: Oversee payroll tax compliance across federal, state, and local jurisdictions. Ensure accurate and timely payroll tax filings, amendments, and reporting. Oversee year‑end reporting, including W‑2, W‑3, 941, 940, and state equivalents. Support payroll‑related audits and regulatory inquiries
Operational Performance & Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve payroll efficiency, automation, and scalability. Promote consistency in payroll processes, reporting, and operational standards. Partner with Finance and HR leadership on payroll system and process enhancements
Cross‑Functional Leadership: Collaborate with organizational leadership on initiatives impacting payroll. Manage relationships with payroll vendors, tax agencies, auditors, and regulators. Provide operational insight and guidance during executive leadership discussions