Director of Payroll

Billion Dollar healthcare organization targeting an experienced Payroll Manager/Director to join the team!

Title and comp is dependent on experience

Role is hybrid Whittier (onsite training and then hybrid thereafter 2-3 days onsite)

REPORTS TO: SVP – Business Solutions & Payroll Operations

The company, a rapidly expanding organization within the skilled nursing sector, is seeking a senior payroll leader to manage enterprise-wide payroll operations, support mergers and acquisitions, and lead critical payroll-related initiatives. This role plays a key part in ensuring accurate, compliant, and efficient payroll execution during periods of growth while advancing system enhancements and operational improvements.

This leader will function as the payroll integration and systems authority, working cross-functionally with HR, Finance, Benefits, external partners, and executive leadership to support organizational transformation.

Payroll Operations & Compliance

• Direct end-to-end, multi-state payroll processing for both acquired and legacy entities
• Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll laws and tax requirements
• Oversee year-end payroll deliverables including W-2s, 1095-Cs, and related filings
• Manage payroll taxes, deductions, garnishments, and benefit-related payroll activity
• Act as the primary point of contact for payroll audits, including 401(k) audits

Acquisitions & Special Projects

• Lead payroll due diligence and post-acquisition integration activities
• Evaluate incoming payroll structures, platforms, and processes to define integration plans
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external consultants to ensure seamless transitions
• Identify risks, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities during acquisition onboarding
• Drive strategic payroll initiatives focused on compliance, scalability, and transformation
• Own and administer payroll systems, including UKG/Kronos
• Lead system implementations, integrations, upgrades, and optimization efforts
• Partner with HRIS, Finance, and Benefits teams to ensure data accuracy and reporting integrity
• Build and maintain payroll reports, dashboards, and analytical tools

Benefits & Cross-Functional Partnership

• Support payroll-related aspects of benefits administration and compliance
• Collaborate with Benefits and HR teams to ensure accurate enrollments, deductions, and reporting
• Serve as the escalation point for complex payroll and benefits-related issues

Leadership & Process Optimization

• Establish standardized payroll processes to support ongoing growth and acquisitions
• Develop documentation, controls, and best practices to ensure consistency and scalability
• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to payroll staff as needed

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related discipline (preferred)
• 7–10+ years of progressive payroll experience in multi-entity environments
• Hands-on experience supporting payroll through mergers and acquisitions
• Advanced knowledge of UKG/Kronos payroll systems
• Experience with HRIS integrations, benefits coordination, and payroll audits
• Strong command of payroll tax compliance, reporting, and regulatory standards
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex initiatives with minimal oversight
• Background in skilled nursing, healthcare, or other highly regulated industries strongly preferred