Vice President, Payroll Operations & Administration

Future Standard•Philadelphia, PA

11d

About The Position

The Vice President, Payroll Operations & Administration leads the enterprise payroll function and is accountable for accurate, timely, and compliant payroll administration across the organization. The role owns end-to-end U.S. payroll operations and oversees international payroll coordination through in-country providers and local teams. It covers payroll processing, off-cycle payments, payroll tax administration, garnishments, 401(k) administration, payroll accounting, and the general ledger interface with Corporate Accounting. Reporting to Accounting Operations, the Vice President partners with Human Resources, Treasury, Tax, Financial Systems, and Internal and External Audit. The leader brings technical payroll expertise and operational and financial discipline to strengthen controls, improve processes, and guide the payroll function through growth, automation, and system change.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, human resources, or a related field.
12 or more years of progressive payroll experience, including at least 5 years leading a payroll function within a complex, multi-state organization.
Demonstrated command of payroll tax, wage and hour regulation, garnishment administration, and year-end reporting requirements.
Hands-on experience with an enterprise payroll and time platform, and comfort working with systems teams on configuration, testing, and integrations.
Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage complex cross-functional relationships, and communicate effectively with senior leaders, auditors, and external service providers.
Working knowledge of payroll accounting, including accruals, reconciliations, and payroll entries flowing into financial statements.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading a payroll system implementation, conversion, or shared-services transition.
Exposure to international payroll and equity compensation reporting.
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP).
Experience with Dayforce.

Responsibilities

Own the full payroll cycle for all pay groups, ensuring payroll is processed accurately and released on schedule.
Oversee international payroll administration with in-country providers and local finance teams.
Direct off-cycle payments, retroactive adjustments, bonus and commission payments, severance, relocation, and equity-related payroll events.
Establish and monitor service levels for payroll inquiries, escalations, and case resolution.
Lead and develop the payroll team, defining responsibilities, cross-training, and coverage for critical payroll activities.
Maintain a documented payroll control environment, including segregation of duties, approval authorities, and audit evidence.
Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local payroll, wage and hour, withholding, garnishment, and reporting requirements.
Oversee payroll tax registrations, deposits, quarterly and annual filings, W-2 reporting, and amendments.
Own payroll support for internal and external audits, including the annual workers' compensation audit.
Own the payroll general ledger interface and ensure entries, accruals, and reconciliations are completed accurately within monthly, quarterly, and year-end close timelines.
Calculate and record monthly payroll allocations and bonus accruals.
Prepare and support payroll reporting and analysis for Accounting, Human Resources, and other business stakeholders.
Oversee day-to-day payroll administration of the company's 401(k) plan with Human Resources and the plan recordkeeper, including enrollment, deferrals, loans, and payroll-related data feeds.
Calculate and validate employer contributions and the annual true-up in accordance with the plan document and applicable eligible compensation definitions.
Maintain accurate accounting and reconciliations for employer contributions and related liabilities.
Lead payroll support for the annual plan audit, Form 5500 process, and compliance testing; coordinate resolution of payroll-related errors or corrective contributions.
Partner with Financial Systems and Human Resources on the payroll and timekeeping technology roadmap, including enhancements, integrations, testing, and configuration changes.
Identify opportunities to automate manual processes, strengthen system controls, and improve payroll data quality and reconciliation.
Establish standardized payroll calendars, procedures, and documentation to support scalability, consistency, and business continuity.
Evaluate payroll processes and system capabilities to support organizational growth and evolving business requirements.