Director, Payroll

Reporting to the Vice President, Disbursements, the Director, Payroll will provide strategic leadership and oversight of all aspects of payroll shared services operations for the multi-entity multi-state organization with over 10,000 team members, including Tribal Members. This role is responsible for aligning payroll systems and operations with the entities overall business strategies, closely collaborating with Finance, Accounting, Legal, Human Resources and operational leaders to drive strategy and effectively mitigate financial, legal, compliance and operational risk. The Director plays a critical role in safeguarding payroll accuracy, maintaining confidentiality, and driving continuous improvement in payroll policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides strategic leadership to the payroll department, aligning strategies with organizational goals. Ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations including tax reporting, ensuring timely implementation of necessary changes. Fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the team.

2. Develops and enforces payroll policies for consistency, accuracy, compliance and risk mitigation. Resolves complex payroll issues and advise senior leadership on payroll-related issues and compliance. Governs all system implementations, integrations and upgrades by ensuring appropriate and succinct planning with cross-functional teams and timelines. Implements and maintains payroll systems and technology to improve efficiency and accuracy. Drives continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring optimization of payroll system controls and their impact on the overall business.

3. Oversees internal and external payroll audits, ensuring compliance and accurate records. Keeps stakeholders informed about payroll laws and regulations and develops implementation plans. Analyzes and addresses payroll data integrity issues. Provides data and insights for financial planning, audits, and compliance reporting. Maintains strong relationships with auditors and regulatory bodies.

4. Ensures the payroll system complies with federal, multi-state, and local laws by establishing controls and monitoring results. Collaborates with Human Resources, IT, and external providers to adapt processes. Analyzes and addresses payroll data integrity issues and develops solutions for accuracy and reliability. Defines operational KPIs and SLAs and ensure contract compliance. Leads cross-functional teams to address and resolves payroll-related challenges.

5. Leads payroll during crises, ensuring operational continuity. Stays updated with payroll laws and engages in continuous learning and professional development. Represents the department on various committees and fosters a culturally aware work environment.

6. Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning reviewing and directing work; evaluating and appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Makes hiring decisions and designs individual development plans with succession planning in mind for all key roles.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• Minimum ten (10) years of progressive payroll experience in high volume employee count electronic payroll systems required.
• Minimum seven (7) years of managing teams within payroll required.
• Related, relevant, and / or direct experience may be considered in lieu of minimum educational requirements indicated above.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA)

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATIONS

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS - ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and working environment described here are representative of those that an employee encounters and must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodation will be made in compliance with all applicable law.

As one of the largest private employers in the Inland Empire, San Manuel deeply cares about the future, growth and well-being of its employees. Join our team today!