Director Of Payroll

About the role

The Director of Payroll manages payroll operations for a large public-sector organization and leads a sizeable payroll team responsible for processing approximately 6,000 bi-weekly payrolls. This role ensures accurate and timely payroll processing, payroll tax compliance, retirement reporting, employee compensation administration, and payroll system maintenance. The Director partners closely with Human Resources and Finance to maintain payroll accuracy, uphold regulatory compliance, and support continuous improvement across payroll processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the payroll team, including setting expectations, allocating work, providing training, conducting performance management, and supporting employee development.
• Oversee end-to-end payroll operations, including policies, procedures, internal controls, and compliance requirements for a large public-sector workforce.
• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including payroll tax laws and labor regulations.
• Analyze compensation data to ensure alignment with employment agreements, union contracts, and established compensation structures.
• Review payroll processing for accuracy, identify payroll anomalies or discrepancies, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Maintain and support employee self-service functionality within the payroll and HR systems, and respond to employee payroll inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Manage retirement system reporting and submissions, including eligibility tracking and adherence to retirement plan requirements.
• Prepare and file quarterly and annual payroll tax documentation, including Form 941, W-2 reporting, state tax reporting, and unemployment reports.
• Develop, maintain, and update reports, policies, and documentation related to payroll operations to support transparency, consistency, and audit readiness.
• Collaborate with Human Resources and Finance to ensure payroll data integrity, support budgeting and reporting needs, and align payroll practices with organizational policies.
• Use data analysis and payroll auditing techniques to identify process improvements, enhance accuracy, and streamline workflows.
• Provide leadership and guidance on payroll system maintenance and enhancements, including HR/payroll system configuration and integrations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support departmental goals and broader organizational initiatives.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in payroll processing and payroll operations management within a complex organization.
• Strong knowledge of payroll tax compliance and reporting, including federal, state, and local requirements.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience, with the ability to lead, coach, and develop a payroll team.
• Background in accounting or finance with experience overseeing payroll, rather than solely performing transactional processing.
• Ability to interpret employment agreements, union contracts, and compensation structures and apply them accurately to payroll.
• Proficiency in analyzing compensation and payroll data to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Experience with retirement reporting and understanding of eligibility requirements.
• Strong skills in data analysis and payroll auditing to identify anomalies and improve processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex payroll issues clearly.
• Ability to manage large volumes of detailed information while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in payroll, accounting, finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience overseeing staff.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Munis HR/Payroll systems.
• Experience with TimeClock Plus (TCP) or similar time and attendance systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Access for data management and reporting.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including use of Pivot Tables for analysis and reporting.
• Knowledge of federal and state labor laws and how they impact payroll and employee compensation.
• Experience with contract interpretation and pay-rule administration, particularly in unionized environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead reporting and process improvement initiatives within payroll or related functions.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines in a high-volume environment.
• Comfort working in collaboration with Human Resources and Finance teams to ensure data integrity and policy alignment.

Work Environment

This role operates on-site in a structured office environment, with standard hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Director of Payroll leads a large payroll department that processes roughly 6,000 bi-weekly payrolls, including complex union payrolls for a public-sector organization and a school system. The work environment is highly detail-oriented and deadline-driven, requiring consistent accuracy and adherence to regulatory requirements. The role involves frequent use of payroll and HR systems such as Munis HR/Payroll and TimeClock Plus, as well as productivity tools including Microsoft Access and advanced Microsoft Excel. Collaboration with Human Resources and Finance is frequent, and the culture emphasizes leadership, accountability, process improvement, and service to internal stakeholders and employees.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $104,000.00 - $140,000.00/yr. Company benefits will be provided to candidates once an offer is extended.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Springfield,MA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.