Lead Director, Benefits & Payroll COE Accounting

CVS Health•Hartford, CT

3d•$100,000 - $231,540•Remote

About The Position

The Lead Director, Benefits & Payroll COE Accounting provides enterprise leadership for payroll and benefits accounting within the Center of Excellence model, with accountability for accurate financial reporting and consistent application of accounting principles across complex and regulated processes. This role serves as a key leader for governance and standardization related to payroll and benefits accounting. The Lead Director partners closely with HR, Payroll, Benefits, Controllers, FP&A, Audit, and Finance Transformation/IT teams to support timely close execution, audit readiness, and ongoing system and process changes. The role also leads and develops accounting teams while driving standardized, scalable practices that support transformation, operational excellence, and sustainable reporting outcomes.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive experience in accounting or financial reporting, including leadership roles
Deep knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, and SOX requirements
Experience supporting large-scale payroll and/or benefits accounting environments in complex organizations
Strong cross-functional partnership skills and experience working with senior leadership
Enterprise Resource Planning experience (e.g., SAP/S/4 and/or Oracle)
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required

Nice To Haves

CPA or MBA preferred
Experience operating within a Center of Excellence (COE) model
Background in a large, matrixed organization

Responsibilities

Provides enterprise leadership for payroll and benefits accounting within the Center of Excellence model.
Ensures accurate financial reporting and consistent application of accounting principles across complex and regulated processes.
Serves as a key leader for governance and standardization related to payroll and benefits accounting.
Partners closely with HR, Payroll, Benefits, Controllers, FP&A, Audit, and Finance Transformation/IT teams to support timely close execution, audit readiness, and ongoing system and process changes.
Leads and develops accounting teams.
Drives standardized, scalable practices that support transformation, operational excellence, and sustainable reporting outcomes.