Director of Payroll

Director of Payroll

Location : San Diego, CA (Hybrid)

Type : Full-Time, Direct Hire

Compensation : $115k– $165k + Bonus & Equity

Reports To : Senior Director of People

Systems : Workday Payroll (must have), Excel proficiency required

Position Overview

A publicly traded organization is seeking a Director of Payroll to lead its global payroll operations . This is a hands-on leadership role based in San Diego (hybrid 3x / week), responsible for overseeing U.S. and international payroll, ensuring tax compliance, vendor transition management, and process optimization.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, detail-oriented payroll expert with extensive Workday experience , deep knowledge of international payroll compliance (particularly in the UK and Netherlands), and the ability to lead through complex organizational change.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a long-term payroll strategy aligned with business goals

Review and implement global payroll policies, procedures, and compliance standards

Mentor and develop a high-performing payroll team, fostering accountability and improvement

Partner with People Success, Accounting, and Treasury teams to ensure aligned processes

Identify and lead initiatives around automation, digital transformation, and vendor optimization

Maintain and enhance internal controls and SOX compliance

Support M&A integrations and transitions Payroll Operations

Oversee accurate processing and auditing of U.S. semi-monthly payroll (400+ employees across 20+ states)

Manage international payroll (currently ~50 employees in the UK and Netherlands) via third-party providers — with the goal of bringing some operations in-house

Review payroll inputs : new hires, pay changes, garnishments, HSA contributions, 401(k) true-ups, etc.

Ensure timely and accurate tax filings, reconciliations, and reporting

Set up tax compliance across new jurisdictions, working directly with U.S. and international tax authorities

Advise on taxation of benefits, bonuses, and equity-based compensation

Develop ad hoc reporting and financial / payroll analytics

Collaborate on benefit deduction schedules, stock compensation, and global compliance matters

Support internal / external audits and drive continuous improvement of SOPs and manuals

Required Qualifications

10+ years of California payroll experience; 5+ years in a people management role

Deep expertise in international payroll compliance , beyond Mexico and Canada

Workday Payroll experience is required

Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, or 10+ years of equivalent experience

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred; international payroll certification preferred

Strong Excel skills (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, macros, etc.)

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization

Experience navigating ambiguity and leading cross-functional collaboration

Previous experience in vendor transitions, global expansion, or M&A preferred

Benefits Summary

Excellent healthcare, dental, and vision for employees and eligible dependents

401(k) with 50% company match on up to 6% of eligible compensation

12 paid holidays, monthly PTO accrual, and paid volunteer time

Wellness, financial, and lifestyle benefits supporting work-life balance

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco / Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco / Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan.

Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

EEO Notice

Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.

Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and / or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com .

Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal .

By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.

Privacy Notice

Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.

California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here .

Pay Transparency Notice

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to :

With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.