Payroll Director

The Office of City Finance (OCF) is responsible for the financial operations of the City of Seattle. While working closely with the City's Budget Office, OCF oversees the City's financial control functions and enterprise reporting responsibilities and supports the goals set by the Mayor and the City Council by providing financial information and expertise. The Office of City Finance champions race and social justice and works progressively to realize the City's vision of racial equity by participating in the Race and Social Justice Initiative - RSJI, which requires fostering a relational culture and an openness to learn and apply new ideas and skills through an equity lens.

The Director of Payroll provides strategic and operational leadership for organization-wide payroll, time and attendance, and staff scheduling functions. This role is responsible for the visioning, planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of payroll systems and processes to ensure accuracy, efficiency, compliance, and timely financial reporting.

The Director oversees centralized payroll policy, compliance, and systems while coordinating with decentralized payroll staff across departments. This position ensures timely and accurate pay for City employees, manages complex tax compliance, leads payroll system upgrades, and maintains strong internal controls across the organization.

This position is open continuously until filled. To be considered for the first review of applications, you must submit a complete application by Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 4:00 PM PST.

• Lead the organization’s payroll, time and attendance, and staff scheduling operations, ensuring timely and accurate compensation for all employees.
• Develop and execute a long-term payroll system and process strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• Oversee citywide payroll processing.

• Develop, update, and enforce standardized payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations, including FLSA requirements.
• Ensure accurate tax treatment, reporting, and remittance, including Forms 941 and other required filings.
• Serve as the primary liaison with tax authorities and regulatory agencies.

• Accountable for all central payroll systems and integrations.
• Lead system implementations, upgrades, integrations, and troubleshooting in partnership with HR, Finance, IT, Labor Relations, and external vendors (e.g., Workday, People Soft, ADP).
• Ensure accurate and timely data flow between payroll, timekeeping, scheduling, and accounting systems.

• Plan, conduct, and oversee payroll audits to ensure data integrity, compliance, and control effectiveness.
• Provide detailed payroll reporting and analysis to senior leadership to support financial and operational decision-making.
• Maintain strong controls over ACH processes and payroll fund transfers.

• Supervise and develop the central payroll team, foster high performance, collaborate with 40 City departments on complicated payroll issues and professional growth, and serve as backup to ensure business continuity.
• Lead a Payroll Business Function Network (or similar governance structure) to standardize processes, training, and best practices across decentralized payroll units.
• Collaborate closely with HR, Finance, Labor Relations, and departmental leaders to align payroll operations with broader organizational strategy.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and change leader across the organization.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• BA in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or comparable level of experience.
• Background in informatics, data management, or analytics.
• Documented history of leveraging expert‑level knowledge of technology, payroll regulations, and…