Payroll Director

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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