Payroll Director

The Office of City Finance (OCF) oversees the City of Seattle's financial operations in partnership with the City’s Budget Office, providing financial information and expertise to support the Mayor and City Council. OCF champions race and social justice and participates in the Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI) to foster an equity lens across work.

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 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, 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, collaborate with 40 City departments on complex 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.

Note:

The job advertisement may not cover every activity or duty required; duties 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 related taxing requirements to consistently deliver accurate and timely payroll processing for a large, complex employer.
• Familiarity with governmental accounting regulations and compliance standards. Served in a senior leadership role providing direction and supervision to highly engaged and successful teams for over five years.
• Experience with implementation and operations of payroll and time capture systems. Working knowledge of Federal and Washington State payroll laws and regulations.
• Deep understanding…