Director of Payroll Compliance & Operations

Location: San Francisco, CA- hybrid schedule
Pay Rate: $200,000-$215,000/year
Duration: Fulltime, direct-hire opportunity

Role Overview:

The Director of Payroll, Compliance, and Operations is a strategic leader overseeing the full payroll function across the US and Canada. This role manages a team of payroll professionals, drives payroll strategy, and ensures operational excellence and regulatory compliance.

Responsible for end-to-end payroll for hourly and salaried employees, the Director champions accuracy, timeliness, and efficiency while serving as the company’s payroll compliance expert, ensuring adherence to all federal, state, and local labor and tax regulations.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Team Management

• Develop and execute short- and long-term payroll strategies to improve efficiency and scalability.

• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of payroll professionals, promoting collaboration and expertise.

• Manage payroll department budgets and resources.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor and tax laws, and company policies.

• Stay current on employment regulations and update HR/payroll policies as needed.

• Act as the main point of contact for payroll compliance for stakeholders, auditors, and vendors.

• Maintain documentation and internal controls to support audits and payroll processes.

Payroll Operations & System Management

• Oversee accurate, timely payroll processing, validation, and reconciliation for all employees.

• Analyze payroll data to identify trends, issues, and provide insights to management.

• Resolve complex payroll and timekeeping issues in compliance with policies and laws.

• Implement process improvements and leverage technology to increase efficiency and accuracy.

• Collaborate with HRIS and vendors to ensure systems reflect compliance requirements.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Work closely with HRIS, Tax, Benefits, and Accounting teams to support payroll needs.

• Drive results through cross-functional collaboration to align payroll operations with business initiatives.

Qualifications:

• 8+ years in payroll management, including 5+ years leading teams

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred

• Experience with Payroll, Time & Attendance, and HRIS systems (Dayforce a plus)

• Track record of improving payroll operations and efficiency

• Case Management/Contact Center experience a plus

• Expert in payroll compliance across multiple jurisdictions

• Skilled in implementing strategic initiatives while managing daily operations and planning for future needs