Director of Payroll

Overview

Scion Staffing has been engaged to conduct a search for a Director of Payroll for a mission-driven, community-focused organization providing essential services across California. This is a full-time, exempt, hybrid position based in South San Francisco, CA, offering a mix of in-office collaboration and flexible remote work.

The Director of Payroll leads a high-volume, complex payroll function within a highly regulated environment, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations. This role partners closely with Human Resources, Finance, and organizational leadership to strengthen systems, processes, and internal controls. The ideal leader brings a collaborative mindset, strong operational judgment, and a commitment to inclusive, people-centered practices.

• Competitive annual compensation range of $125,000–$135,000
• Hybrid work schedule supporting flexibility and work–life balance
• Comprehensive health, wellness, and employee assistance programs
• Generous paid time off, holidays, and organizational closure periods
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs with employer support

• Oversee end-to-end payroll operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and on-time delivery
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local wage, hour, and tax regulations
• Lead audits and internal reviews related to payroll, benefits, and regulatory requirements
• Develop, document, and continuously improve payroll processes and standard operating procedures
• Supervise, mentor, and support payroll team members in an inclusive, high-performance environment
• Partner cross-functionally with HR, Finance, and leadership to support organizational goals

• Demonstrated leadership experience in payroll operations within a complex or regulated environment
• Strong working knowledge of California payroll, wage, and hour requirements
• Experience with enterprise payroll and timekeeping systems; system implementations a plus
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage change, and communicate effectively across stakeholders
• Commitment to accuracy, confidentiality, equity, and inclusive workplace practices

This role offers a competitive compensation range of $125,000–$135,000, aligned with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee well-being and long-term success. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage; retirement and deferred compensation programs with strong employer participation; generous paid time off; paid holidays and personal days; employee assistance resources; and ongoing professional development opportunities.

The organization is committed to fostering a supportive, flexible, and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive.

Scion Staffing is a national award-winning staffing firm! Since 2006, we have had the pleasure of successfully placing thousands of talented professionals with amazing career opportunities. Through our innovative team building and recruiting solutions, we bridge the gap in executive leadership searches, direct hire recruiting, interim leadership placement, and temporary professional staffing. We are proud to be part of the Forbes lists of the Best Recruitment Firms and the Best Executive Search Firms in America.

Additionally, Scion has been recognized as a Clearly Rated Best of Staffing firm as well as a top recruitment firm by The Business Times. Additional information about our firm can also be found online.

Scion Staffing, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and service provider and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation or belief, or any other protected class. We are committed to the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and are dedicated to making employment decisions based on merit and value, for ourselves, our client companies, and the candidates we represent.

For opportunities located in a region that have enacted fair chance, arrest or conviction-based employment ordinances, Scion Staffing proactively follows the enacted guidance and considers for employment all qualified applications with arrest and conviction records. We engage in socially conscious business practices and believe that diverse, inclusive, and non-biased talent and recruitment processes are foundational to the success of Scion as well as every client organization with whom we partner.