Director of Payroll

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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.