Explore Payroll Director Jobs

Payroll Directors lead the teams, processes, and technology that ensure employees are paid accurately and on time. On Ladders, explore vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more, including senior payroll leadership roles at organizations across industries.

What Does a Payroll Director Do?

A Payroll Director oversees payroll operations from end to end, setting standards for accuracy, timeliness, data security, and service. Responsibilities may include managing payroll staff and vendors, maintaining policies and controls, coordinating with finance and human resources, and providing reporting to senior leaders. The role often supports payroll across multiple locations, business units, or countries.

Common Responsibilities and Skills

Employers often seek leaders with experience in payroll compliance, tax and wage regulations, internal controls, payroll systems, process improvement, and audit readiness. Strong candidates combine technical expertise with people leadership, analytical skills, clear communication, and the ability to manage sensitive employee information. Familiarity with HRIS platforms, payroll automation, and multi-state or global payroll can be valuable.

Qualifications for Payroll Director Roles

Many Payroll Director positions call for substantial payroll experience and a record of leading teams or complex operations. Employers may prefer a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, human resources, or a related field, along with relevant payroll or accounting credentials. Requirements vary by company, workforce size, and the scope of the role.

Find Your Next Payroll Leadership Role

Browse Payroll Director openings on Ladders to discover senior opportunities with compensation of $100,000 or more. Compare role responsibilities and qualifications, then focus your search on positions that fit your leadership experience, industry background, and career goals.

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$110K - $130K *

Lead and enhance multi-state payroll operations, driving compliance, process improvements, and technology integration across North America while maintaining accuracy and efficiency through a dedicated...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$125K - $150K *

Optimize payroll operations across diverse entities, ensuring compliance and accurate processing. Lead a team, drive technological advancements, and collaborate with finance and HR to meet organizatio...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$128K - $200K *

Join a dynamic team to lead payroll operations in a large organization, ensuring compliance and efficiency. Leverage your expertise in Workday and healthcare payroll to drive strategic initiatives and...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$128K - $200K *

Transform payroll operations by leading a skilled team in a dynamic environment, ensuring compliance and efficiency while leveraging Workday for large organizations. Drive strategic initiatives and en...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$110K - $130K *

Join us to lead payroll operations across the US and Canada, ensuring timely and accurate payments while maintaining compliance with regulations. Collaborate with teams to streamline processes and saf...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Join us to lead payroll operations across the US and Canada, ensuring timely and accurate payments while maintaining compliance. Collaborate with teams to streamline processes and safeguard financial...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$108K - $130K *

Elevate payroll operations by ensuring accurate, timely payments across US and Canada. Collaborate with teams to maintain compliance, streamline processes, and manage vendor relationships, safeguardin...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring accurate payroll for US and Canada. Lead payroll operations, maintain compliance, and streamline processes while collaborating with HR and finance to support o...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Join a dynamic team as a Payroll leader, overseeing US and Canada payrolls. Ensure timely payments, compliance with regulations, and efficient processes while collaborating with various departments to...

Vaughan, ONIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in financial leadership by managing accounting, taxes, and budgeting while collaborating with executive management to uncover savings and optimize profitability through insightful fina...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Elevate payroll operations by leading a multi-state team, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and continuous improvement. Collaborate with Finance and HR to enhance processes and support organizational gro...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Drive payroll transformation by leading strategic initiatives, optimizing operations, and ensuring compliance across jurisdictions. Collaborate with leadership to enhance employee experience and build...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$99K - $172K *

Transform payroll operations across multiple countries by leading a dedicated team, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and efficiency in payroll processing while driving continuous improvement and collabo...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$99K - $172K *

Join a team that's driving payroll excellence across multiple countries. Lead a dedicated payroll team, ensuring compliance and accuracy for 1,000+ employees while collaborating with various departmen...

Minneapolis, MNRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$108K - $122K *

Drive your career with strategic leadership in payroll operations, ensuring accuracy and compliance while overseeing a dedicated team. Collaborate across departments to enhance processes and support i...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$108K - $122K *

Deliver strategic leadership in payroll operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency. Oversee payroll processing, staff development, and system integrations while advising executive leade...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$80K - $95K *

Lead payroll operations by ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in payroll processes. Collaborate with administration to manage staff, audits, and reporting while implementing effective payro...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$110K - $130K *

Grow your career with us as you lead payroll operations across multiple states, ensuring compliance and accuracy while providing expert support to employees and management. Drive process improvements...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Optimize payroll operations by managing multi-state payroll processes, ensuring compliance, and enhancing system efficiencies. Collaborate with HR and Finance to support employees and drive continuous...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing payroll operations across multiple states. You'll ensure compliance, manage payroll systems, and support employees while identifying process improvements in...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$120K - $140K *

Elevate your career by leading payroll strategy and operations across a diverse portfolio. Drive compliance, enhance efficiency, and support a growing organization while managing a high-performing tea...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$150K - $180K *

Transform global payroll and workforce time strategies to enhance operational excellence, compliance, and employee experience. Lead cross-functional teams in executing complex projects with a broad in...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Lead global payroll transformation and workforce time strategy, enhancing operational excellence and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to innovate solutions and drive enterprise-wide...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's redefining payroll operations across North America. Lead strategy, compliance, and technology initiatives while overseeing a diverse workforce. Drive continuous improvement and ensu...

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Transform payroll operations by leading global payroll functions, ensuring compliance and excellence in delivery. Collaborate with teams to optimize processes and enhance governance while managing ven...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Payroll Director do?question toggle

    A Payroll Director leads payroll teams and oversees processes, systems, controls, and compliance to help ensure employees are paid accurately and on time. The role commonly partners with finance, HR, and senior leadership.

  • What qualifications are typically required for Payroll Director jobs?question toggle

    Requirements vary, but employers commonly look for extensive payroll experience, leadership ability, knowledge of payroll regulations and controls, and familiarity with payroll or HRIS systems. A relevant bachelor's degree or professional credential may be preferred.

  • How much do Payroll Director jobs pay?question toggle

    Pay varies by employer, location, industry, and the role's scope. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, including qualifying Payroll Director opportunities.

  • What skills help Payroll Directors succeed?question toggle

    Important skills include payroll compliance, tax and wage regulation knowledge, team leadership, systems expertise, process improvement, analytical thinking, communication, and careful handling of confidential data.

  • Where can I find Payroll Director jobs paying $100,000 or more?question toggle

    Explore Payroll Director listings on Ladders to find vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more.