Global Payroll Director

Reformation • Vernon, CA

8d • $165,000 - $200,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Reformation is seeking an experienced, strategic, and detail-oriented payroll leader based in the Los Angeles or New York area to design, lead, and optimize the company’s international and domestic payroll infrastructure and strategy in a fast-growing organization. The Director will provide strategic leadership and governance for U.S. and international payroll operations, including Time and Attendance requirements; lead the SOX compliance transition to meet public-company requirements; and determine the overall payroll technology and governance strategy.

The role is responsible for end-to-end payroll tax management, including oversight and tracking of new-location setup, accurate and compliant withholding, reconciliations, audits, and state and country notice management. The Director partners with People, Finance, Tax, Legal, Stock Administration, and Tech to streamline processes, support business growth, and ensure regulatory compliance. The position oversees the payroll team and provides mentorship and guidance in line with Reformation’s values.

Requirements

• 10 or more years of experience with public-company global payroll and payroll tax compliance in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Experience setting up payroll requirements for new tax entities.
• Deep knowledge of domestic and international payroll systems and processes.
• Experience managing multiple payroll vendors and contracts.
• Knowledge and experience with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance, equity, and time-tracking programs.
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to influence others.
• A proactive, creative problem solver.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field is preferred.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success transforming a manual payroll function into one that is highly scalable and efficient.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the global payroll strategy and operating model for U.S. and international payroll.
• Own and oversee end-to-end U.S. and international payroll operations.
• Develop and execute the international payroll expansion strategy.
• Oversee Time and Attendance system rules, including pay groups and time-off accruals, to ensure multi-state and country compliance.
• Manage payroll vendor relationships, billing, and budget.
• Partner with Finance to ensure accurate payroll reconciliation.
• Collaborate with People, Legal, Accounting and Finance, Tax, and Tech teams.
• Drive controls and operational excellence to ensure compliance across all countries.
• Direct audits and oversee team activities and processes to meet internal and external compliance and government-interaction standards.
• Identify process efficiencies through technology while maintaining accuracy and compliance.
• Coach, mentor, and develop team members to strengthen operational excellence, compliance, and customer support.
• Oversee end-to-end U.S. payroll operations using PayChex, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant processing.
• Provide payroll information to Reformation teams accurately and on time, with a customer-service mindset.
• Ensure federal, state, and local payroll taxes are correctly withheld, reported, paid, and filed in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Review and reconcile taxable wages and withholding, unemployment, and disability insurance taxes across multiple U.S. legal entities, including year-end W-2 balancing and related federal and state agency forms against the payroll system.
• Lead payroll tax audits, assess impact, create action plans for audit deliverables, and resolve discrepancies and inquiries.
• Manage tax notices through service-level agreements, root-cause analysis, vendor oversight, and partnership with local agencies as needed.
• Partner with the Stock Administrator to manage taxes and earnings associated with the stock program.

Benefits

• Employer-sponsored private medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees.
• Commuter benefits.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays, for eligible employees.
• Retirement planning support, including the option to invest in Environmental Social Governance-aligned funds, for eligible employees.
• Fertility care support through Carrot and up to $5,000 USD reimbursement for related fertility expenses after one year of employment.
• Yearly donations to community efforts.
• Clothing discount.
• Culture events, including Ref Values week and Volunteer Time Off.
• Annual discretionary bonus may be available; the role has 15% bonus eligibility, subject to company discretion and stated factors.

What This Job Offers

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