Title : Director of Payroll
Compensation : $165,000 - $185,000 + Bonus
Location : Santa Ana, CA
Email your word document resume to HeatherS@ConexusRecruiting.com and reference the subject as Director of Payroll
Position Overview :
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Payroll to lead and optimize all payroll operations for our organization. This role oversees payroll processing for 2,000+ employees and directly manages a team of 6 payroll professionals. The Director will ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll execution while driving continuous improvement across systems, processes, and internal controls.
Key Responsibilities :
- Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for 2,000+ employees across multiple locations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and regulatory compliance.
- Manage, support, and develop a team of 6 payroll staff, fostering collaboration and high performance.
- Review and approve payroll runs, adjustments, garnishments, bonuses, and off-cycle payments.
- Maintain and enforce payroll policies, procedures, workflows, and internal controls.
- Serve as the primary payroll subject matter expert for leadership, HR, finance, and employees.
- Partner closely with HR and Finance to ensure seamless integration of employee data, benefits, and reporting.
- Coach and mentor team members, supporting their growth and optimizing team effectiveness.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and reporting requirements.
- Oversee year-end processes including W-2s, audits, reconciliations, and tax filings.
- Proactively identify compliance risks and implement corrective action when needed.
- Optimize payroll systems, processes, and workflows to improve efficiency and scalability.
- Lead system enhancements, updates, testing, and integrations.
- Maintain accurate documentation of payroll procedures and standard operating processes.
- Leverage data and analytics to monitor payroll performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
Qualifications :
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including 3+ years in a leadership role.Proven experience overseeing payroll for 2,000+ employees in a multi-state environment.Strong understanding of payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and compliance requirements.Demonstrated success managing and developing a payroll team of 5+ direct reports.Proficiency with modern payroll systems (e.g., Dayforce, ADP, UKG), with the ability to optimize and streamline processes.Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and analytical problem-solving.Strong communication and interpersonal skills.Email your word document resume to HeatherS@ConexusRecruiting.com and reference the subject as Director of Payroll