Director Payroll

About the role

Location: Boston, MA. Salary range: $170,000–$185,000 per year, with bonus offered, competitive 401(k) match, and day‑one benefits.

Responsibilities

• Payroll process compliance and improvement – deliver accurate, timely, high‑quality payroll services across the US.
• Enhance payroll analytical and reporting capabilities to update stakeholders and provide decision support.
• Stay current on US regulations, benefits changes, tax laws and labor laws impacting payroll.
• Serve as subject‑matter expert for UKG HCM/payroll and Kronos/Dimensions time & attendance platforms.
• Ensure systems and internal controls support North America payroll, employment taxes and labor law compliance.
• Coordinate year‑end tax activities (adjustments, IRS reports, W‑2, 1042‑S, T4 distribution).
• Perform research and analysis of payroll issues and implement solutions.
• Develop, maintain and assess internal controls for payroll processes and software.
• Build collaborative relationships with stakeholders, vendors and global payroll teams.
• Oversee the time & attendance team, ensuring CBA/compliance, accurate reporting, security, and efficient tracking of hours, leave, etc.
• Drive process improvement initiatives with HR, finance and core business; develop business cases and lead payroll‑related projects.
• Provide oversight of the Payroll Centre of Excellence, harmonizing direct and indirect oversight functions.
• Manage, coach and develop US payroll operations staff; promote a positive team environment and develop team capabilities.

Requirements

• 10+ years of progressive payroll management experience in a large complex (10,000+ employee) North American organization.
• BS degree or CPP certification.
• 6+ years of management experience and experience implementing/managing a large multi‑location payroll provider in the US.
• Demonstrated leadership of skilled teams and change management.
• Experience with complex cross‑functional payroll projects.
• Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, relationship‑building and business partnering skills.
• Experience delivering payroll services in a heavily unionized, multiple CBA environment.
• Strong experience with UKG HCM and payroll software platform (preferred).
• Strong experience in time and attendance auditing, time control and reporting, Workforce Management (preferred).
• Demonstrated experience in digitalization/automation of payroll processes; AI utilization experience a plus.

Skills

• Effectively multi‑task, prioritize work, demonstrate accountability, and lead a team of payroll professionals.
• KPI development and monthly business reporting on payroll performance.
• Bilingual English‑French speaker preferred.
• Ability to influence and negotiate priorities with a focus on continuous improvement of operational processes and systems.

Benefits

• Bonus offered.
• Competitive 401(k) match.
• Day‑one benefits.

Pay

$170,000‑$185,000 per year.