Director of Payroll

Compensation: $165,000 - $185,000 + Bonus

Location: Santa Ana, CA

Email your word document resume to H and reference the subject as Director of Payroll

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Payroll to lead and optimize all payroll operations for our organization. This role oversees payroll processing for 2,000+ employees and directly manages a team of 6 payroll professionals. The Director will ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll execution while driving continuous improvement across systems, processes, and internal controls.

• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for 2,000+ employees across multiple locations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and regulatory compliance.
• Manage, support, and develop a team of 6 payroll staff, fostering collaboration and high performance.
• Review and approve payroll runs, adjustments, garnishments, bonuses, and off-cycle payments.
• Maintain and enforce payroll policies, procedures, workflows, and internal controls.
• Serve as the primary payroll subject matter expert for leadership, HR, finance, and employees.
• Partner closely with HR and Finance to ensure seamless integration of employee data, benefits, and reporting.
• Coach and mentor team members, supporting their growth and optimizing team effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Oversee year-end processes including W‑2s, audits, reconciliations, and tax filings.
• Proactively identify compliance risks and implement corrective action when needed.
• Optimize payroll systems, processes, and workflows to improve efficiency and scalability.
• Lead system enhancements, updates, testing, and integrations.
• Maintain accurate documentation of payroll procedures and standard operating processes.
• Leverage data and analytics to monitor payroll performance and identify opportunities for improvement.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including 3+ years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience overseeing payroll for 2,000+ employees in a multi-state environment.
• Strong understanding of payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated success managing and developing a payroll team of 5+ direct reports.
• Proficiency with modern payroll systems (e.g., Dayforce, ADP, UKG), with the ability to optimize and streamline processes.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and analytical problem-solving.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Email your word document resume to H and reference the subject as Director of Payroll