Director of Payroll and Compensation

Description:

The Director of Payroll & Compensation is responsible for overseeing the strategic and operational functions of the organization’s payroll and compensation programs. This position ensures timely, accurate payroll processing, compliance with all regulatory requirements, and the design, implementation, and administration of equitable and competitive compensation structures in coordination with the finance team. The Director will collaborate across HR, Finance, Legal, and executive leadership to ensure alignment of payroll and compensation strategies with organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct and manage all aspects of payroll for multi-company employee populations
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to payroll, taxation, and compensation
• Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of compensation programs, salary structures, and incentive plans
• Conduct market analyses to evaluate pay competitiveness and recommend compensation adjustments
• Oversee payroll system configuration, audits, process documentation, and data integrity in HRIS/payroll platforms
• Develop compensation models, reports, and forecasts to support strategic decision-making
• Partner with HR, Legal, and Finance on policy interpretation, budget planning, and compensation strategies
• Serve as subject matter expert on compensation practices, wage and hour laws, FLSA classification, and payroll tax
• Lead and mentor payroll and compensation team members; establish standard operating procedures and performance metrics
• Manage relationships with third-party vendors and ensure effective interfaces between systems

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in payroll administration and compensation program management
• Deep knowledge of payroll laws, IRS regulations, and compensation best practices
• Experience with HRIS and payroll platforms (e.g., Paylocity, Workday, ADP, or similar)
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, including modeling and pivot tables
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Skills:

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)
• Experience with compensation, incentive design, and total rewards strategy
• Familiarity with healthcare industry