VP Payroll

We are seeking a highly experienced, hands-on payroll professional to serve as Vice President, Payroll. This role will oversee the execution, governance, and continuous improvement of the Firm’s payroll operations, with primary responsibility for U.S. payroll and involvement in broader global payroll initiatives.

This is a senior operational role for someone who is comfortable managing the payroll process from start to finish, solving complex issues, strengthening controls, and partnering closely with Human Capital Management, Finance, Accounting, Tax, Benefits, Compensation, and external payroll providers.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in multi-state, multi-entity payroll, strong knowledge of payroll tax and regulatory requirements, and a track record of improving processes within a complex, fast‑paced organization.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Operations

• Oversee and execute the Firm’s U.S. semi-monthly, monthly, and off-cycle payroll activities, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on schedule.
• Manage payroll activity across a complex employee population, including regular wages, bonuses, overtime, reimbursements, one‑time payments, equity‑related transactions, dividend equivalents, and other compensation events.
• Support payroll requirements across multiple entities and jurisdictions, while contributing to the development of scalable processes for continued growth and potential international expansion.
• Review payroll inputs, validate payroll calculations, and perform detailed reconciliations prior to final payroll submission.
• Manage off‑cycle payrolls and special payment events as required.
• Oversee the processing of equity‑related payroll transactions, including RSUs, clawbacks, tax adjustments, and corrected tax documentation when necessary.
• Review employee data and system transactions, including new hires, terminations, direct deposit changes, tax elections, timekeeping information, leaves of absence, and other payroll‑impacting events.
• Interpret and apply internal compensation and pay policies to ensure payroll calculations and deductions are handled appropriately.

Payroll Tax, Compliance & Controls

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations.
• Monitor payroll‑related legislation and regulatory developments and assess the impact on payroll practices, procedures, and systems.
• Review the accuracy of tax with holdings, garnishments, benefit deductions, and other employee deductions.
• Research and resolve payroll tax notices and work with internal stakeholders and external providers to address issues promptly.
• Establish and maintain effective payroll controls, audit procedures, and reconciliation processes.
• Support internal and external audits, including payroll tax, financial statement, and workers’ compensation audits.
• Ensure appropriate payroll records are maintained in accordance with legal, regulatory, and internal retention requirements.
• Handle confidential employee and compensation information with the highest level of discretion and integrity.

Process Improvement & Documentation

• Evaluate existing payroll processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, scalability, and internal controls.
• Develop and maintain detailed standard operating procedures, payroll calendars, process documentation, checklists, and other operational materials.
• Help build a consistent and scalable payroll framework that can support organizational growth, additional entities, and evolving business needs.
• Participate in system enhancements, payroll integrations, vendor transitions, and other payroll‑related projects.
• Drive practical solutions to recurring issues and proactively identify risks before they impact payroll processing.
• Partner with Finance and…