Corporate Director of Payroll

Davidson Hospitality Group is a dynamic and innovative hospitality management company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. We lead in hotel and resort management, providing comprehensive, results-driven services to a diverse portfolio of properties across the United States. Our collaborative and supportive environment encourages creativity, growth, and professional development, with a strong commitment to excellence in guest service, employee engagement, and financial performance.

About the role

We’re looking for a Corporate Director of Payroll & Payroll Compliance to lead and execute payroll operations across a large, multi-state organization supporting 13,000+ team members. This highly visible leadership role blends strategic oversight with day-to-day execution, ideal for a hands-on payroll leader who thrives in a fast-paced, complex environment. You’ll serve as the Workday Payroll subject-matter expert, drive compliance across jurisdictions, partner cross-functionally with HR, Finance, and Operations, and lead a talented payroll team—all while ensuring payroll runs accurately, efficiently, and on time. Must be based in (or willing to relocate to) the Atlanta area and work onsite in Dunwoody, GA on a hybrid schedule (4 days per week).

Responsibilities

• Lead and personally oversee end-to-end payroll processing for weekly and bi-weekly payrolls across all entities.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll execution for a multi-state workforce of 10,000+ employees.
• Review, approve, and reconcile payroll prior to transmission to third-party providers (e.g., ADP, OSV).
• Support payroll readiness for new property openings, transitions, and acquisitions.
• Manage complex payroll activities including bonuses, garnishments, and adjustments.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of payroll professionals, including Managers and Specialists.
• Drive a culture of accountability, accuracy, customer service, and continuous improvement.
• Establish clear expectations and ensure team productivity and performance.
• Serve as the primary SME for Workday Payroll, including configuration, processing, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Partner with HRIS and external consultants to identify system issues and lead testing through resolution.
• Lead payroll system implementations, enhancements, and integrations (timekeeping, benefits, GL).
• Drive system adoption, reporting capabilities, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws, wage and hour regulations, and garnishments.
• Oversee payroll tax administration, including filings, audits, and setup in new jurisdictions.
• Monitor regulatory changes and proactively update processes and controls.
• Lead year-end payroll activities including W-2 and W-2c processing.
• Conduct regular payroll audits to ensure accuracy and mitigate risk.
• Continuously evaluate and improve payroll processes, workflows, and controls.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex payroll issues.
• Partner with HR, Finance, and Operations leadership to solve problems and enhance processes.
• Manage relationships with third-party providers to ensure service quality and issue resolution.
• Provide training and guidance to field HR and operational leaders.

Requirements

• Workday Payroll experience is required (configuration, processing, and troubleshooting).
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, HR, or related field preferred.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification required.
• 10+ years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership in a multi-state environment (10,000+ employees preferred).
• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing payroll teams.
• Strong hands-on experience with large-scale payroll systems and implementations (Workday strongly preferred).
• Deep knowledge of multi-state payroll processing, payroll tax regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Experience working with third-party payroll providers (ADP, OSV, etc.).
• Hospitality or multi-unit experience strongly preferred.
• Advanced Excel and payroll reporting capabilities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence across all levels.

Benefits

• Multiple tiers of medical coverage.
• Dental & vision coverage.
• 24/7 Teledoc service.
• Free maintenance medications.
• Pet insurance.
• Hotel discounts.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, bereavement, and holidays).
• 401K match.

Schedule

Hybrid schedule (4 days per week onsite in Dunwoody, GA).