Senior Director, Payroll (M2)

Save the Children US•Washington, DC

1d•$96,050 - $133,475•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Director of Payroll is a hands-on, player/coach role within Save the Children, overseeing all aspects of payroll strategy and operations for entities within the United States, including international expatriates and third-country nationals working abroad. Reporting to the Head of HR Operations and Employee Experience, this role ensures accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing across the organization and serves as a key strategic partner to Human Resources, HRIS, Finance, and IT. The position leads the internal payroll team and manages external payroll vendors to deliver scalable, high-quality payroll services aligned with business objectives. Responsibilities include ensuring that Agency transformational projects impacting payroll processes conform to regulatory and policy requirements while maximizing technical efficiencies and keeping data secure.

Requirements

Minimum of a Bachelor Degree or equivalent experience, plus at least 7 years of Payroll experience with 3 years in a supervisory role.
Experience administering payroll within a complex multi-state environment, including state paid leave programs and related regulatory requirements.
Deep knowledge of federal, state, and local tax regulations related to payroll.
Demonstrated success managing payroll vendors and third party providers.
Experience with time & attendance and payroll software, UKG and Tenrox a plus.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently, with minimal guidance, and manage multiple priorities.
Ability to act as a resource for colleagues as a payroll subject matter expert.
Strong understanding of federal and state payroll compliance laws.
Strategic, lateral thinking and ability to translate findings into pragmatic solutions.
Strong analytical capabilities with experience leveraging payroll and workforce data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
Experience with leave management administration, state paid leave programs, or integrated leave and payroll solutions.
Critical reasoning and demonstrated ability to solve complex business problems through resourcefulness.
Professional proficiency in MS Office suite, and with advanced Excel skills.
Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting payroll operations across non-profit or multi-entity organizational structures.
Payroll platform implementation as it relates to HCM systems.
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.
International development payroll processing experience.
Project management experience.
Understanding of payroll accounting.
Experience supporting payroll in a shared services or matrixed organization.

Responsibilities

Oversee day-to-day operations of the payroll team and processes associated with payroll, payroll tax, wage garnishments, and related transactions for three entities.
Administer payroll for international expatriates and third country nationals working abroad including ensuring that international living allowance compensation is complete and accurate.
Ensure pay is completely and accurately transmitted to banks as required including international wire payments.
Assess payroll-related operations and identify areas to incorporate automation or improve efficiencies.
Collaborate closely with Benefits team on deduction processing, benefits reconciliation, and leave related pay impacts.
Serve as the payroll subject matter expert for federal, state, and local paid leave programs, including Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), state disability insurance programs, paid sick leave requirements, and wage replacement benefits. Partner with Benefits, HR, and leave administrators to ensure accurate employee payments, deductions, tax treatment, reporting, and regulatory compliance.
Oversee the payroll help desk along with resolution of complex payroll issues, employee concerns and inquiries and resolves errors related to payroll processing, deductions, or special pays.
Manage payroll to banks’ reconciliation processes, payroll general ledger reconciliation, payroll year end process, and review of audit reports and inquiries; ensures correction of payment issues prior to closing payroll.
Lead payroll audits, support financial statements and all prepare reporting and information for audits involving payroll.
Support and monitor the annual payroll team budget, working with leadership to forecast payroll-related expenses.
Serve as subject matter expert in payroll related matters on all projects that impact payroll and timekeeping and lead change management activities to drive user adoption.
Build and maintain communication and training for employees.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for federal, state, and local tax and payroll regulations, including year-end W-2 filings and corrections.
Produce relevant payroll-related reporting and manage maintenance of all payroll/timekeeping internal processes, procedures, and policies.
Support accounting with closing activities related to staffing costs, including month-end and year-end close.
Lead and manage relationships with external payroll vendors, tax providers, and third-party administrators.
Oversee vendor performance, service-level agreements (SLAs), issue resolution, and continuous improvement.
Make recommendations, and in review and consideration for new payroll platforms along with acting as subject matter expert when systems that interact with payroll platforms are being considered for the agency.
Support vendor implementations, transitions, and contract negotiations as needed.
Train, develop, coach, lead, and supervise staff, clearly communicating organization, division and department priorities, and how their work contributes to our mission, ensuring that the working environment continually fosters diversity, inclusion, and belonging – supporting Save the Children values.
Provide coaching, performance feedback, and career development opportunities for payroll staff.
Serve as a subject matter expert and escalation point for complex payroll matters.
Lead cross-functional collaboration in challenging payroll scenarios, fostering calm, transparent communication and coordinated problem-solving to minimize employee impact and maintain trust.
Remain current in current industry trends related to payroll.

Benefits

Flexible schedules
generous PTO
11 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays
hybrid working opportunities
Competitive health care, dental and vision coverage for you and your family
A variety of paid leaves: caregiver, parental/adoption, critical child illness and fertility benefits
Annual merit increases and/or additional incentives for eligible employees
A retirement savings plan with employer contributions (after one year)
15 safety and wellness days annually (if hired on or after July 1, safety and wellness days prorated to 8 days)
mental health benefits and support through Calm and company-hosted events
Employee Assistance Program: free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services
Access to internal and external learning & development opportunities and mentorships