Director of Payroll

Payroll Director / Senior Payroll Manager

Large Multi-State Organization | ADP Environment | M&A & Process Improvement Focus

We are seeking a highly hands-on and operationally driven Payroll Leader to oversee payroll operations for a complex, fast-paced organization with over 4,000 employees nationwide. This role is ideal for a candidate who thrives in environments requiring transformation, process improvement, payroll stabilization, and integration support related to acquisitions and organizational growth.

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in multi-state payroll operations within ADP platforms, along with a strong background in payroll clean-up initiatives, compliance, systems optimization, and post-acquisition integrations. This individual will be expected to roll up their sleeves, assess current processes, identify inefficiencies, implement controls, and drive operational excellence across the payroll function.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end payroll operations for a workforce of 4,000+ employees across multiple states and entities
• Manage payroll processing within ADP, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely execution
• Serve as a hands-on leader focused on payroll process improvement, workflow optimization, and operational clean-up initiatives
• Evaluate existing payroll procedures, identify gaps and inefficiencies, and implement scalable best practices and controls
• Partner closely with HR, Accounting, Finance, Benefits, and IT to improve data flow and payroll accuracy
• Lead payroll integration activities related to mergers, acquisitions, and newly acquired entities
• Support payroll system conversions, standardization efforts, and integration of acquired employee populations into ADP
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, tax filings, garnishments, and reporting requirements
• Drive payroll audit readiness and strengthen internal controls and documentation
• Assist with payroll reconciliations, quarter-end/year-end processing, W-2 preparation, and audit support
• Develop and mentor payroll staff while fostering accountability and continuous improvement
• Create reporting and analytics to support leadership decision-making and operational visibility

Ideal Background

• 7+ years of progressive payroll leadership experience in large, complex organizations
• Experience processing payroll for 4,000+ employees in multi-state environments
• Strong expertise with ADP payroll systems
• Proven success leading payroll clean-up efforts, process transformations, and operational improvements
• Significant experience supporting M&A activity, payroll integrations, and organizational scaling
• Hands-on leadership style with strong attention to detail and problem-solving capabilities
• Strong knowledge of payroll tax compliance, wage and hour regulations, and payroll controls
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to partner cross-functionally across all levels of the organization

Preferred Qualifications

• CPP certification preferred
• Experience in private equity-backed, high-growth, healthcare, manufacturing, distribution, or multi-entity environments is highly valued
• Advanced Excel and payroll reporting experience preferred

This is an outstanding opportunity for a payroll professional who enjoys building structure, improving processes, and making a meaningful operational impact within a growing organization.