Director of Payroll

Vaco Recruiter Services; Irvine; Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Director of Payroll to oversee global payroll operations. This hands-on leadership role requires extensive Workday experience and knowledge of international payroll compliance. The ideal candidate will lead a high-performing payroll team, ensuring accurate processing and compliance while driving strategic initiatives. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits, including healthcare and a 401(k) plan.

Benefits

Excellent healthcare, dental, and vision

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays and PTO

Wellness and lifestyle benefits

Qualifications

• 10+ years of California payroll experience; 5+ years in management.
• Deep expertise in international payroll compliance beyond Mexico and Canada.

Responsibilities

• Lead global payroll operations and ensure tax compliance.
• Oversee accurate processing of U.S. semi-monthly payroll for 400+ employees.
• Develop and execute payroll strategy aligned with business goals.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Excel

International Payroll Compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting

Tools

Workday Payroll

Job description

Director of Payroll
Location: San Diego, CA (Hybrid)
Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Compensation: $115k– $165k + Bonus & Equity
Reports To: Senior Director of People
Systems: Workday Payroll (must have), Excel proficiency required

Position Overview
A publicly traded organization is seeking a Director of Payroll to lead its global payroll operations. This is a hands-on leadership role based in San Diego (hybrid 3x/week), responsible for overseeing U.S. and international payroll, ensuring tax compliance, vendor transition management, and process optimization.
The ideal candidate is a strategic, detail-oriented payroll expert with extensive Workday experience, deep knowledge of international payroll compliance (particularly in the UK and Netherlands), and the ability to lead through complex organizational change.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a long-term payroll strategy aligned with business goals
• Review and implement global payroll policies, procedures, and compliance standards
• Mentor and develop a high-performing payroll team, fostering accountability and improvement
• Partner with People Success, Accounting, and Treasury teams to ensure aligned processes
• Identify and lead initiatives around automation, digital transformation, and vendor optimization
• Maintain and enhance internal controls and SOX compliance
• Support M&A integrations and transitions

Payroll Operations

• Oversee accurate processing and auditing of U.S. semi-monthly payroll (400+ employees across 20+ states)
• Manage international payroll (currently ~50 employees in the UK and Netherlands) via third-party providers — with the goal of bringing some operations in-house
• Review payroll inputs: new hires, pay changes, garnishments, HSA contributions, 401(k) true-ups, etc.
• Ensure timely and accurate tax filings, reconciliations, and reporting
• Set up tax compliance across new jurisdictions, working directly with U.S. and international tax authorities
• Advise on taxation of benefits, bonuses, and equity-based compensation
• Develop ad hoc reporting and financial/payroll analytics
• Collaborate on benefit deduction schedules, stock compensation, and global compliance matters
• Support internal/external audits and drive continuous improvement of SOPs and manuals

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of California payroll experience; 5+ years in a people management role
• Deep expertise in international payroll compliance, beyond Mexico and Canada
• Workday Payroll experience is required
• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, or 10+ years of equivalent experience
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred; international payroll certification preferred
• Strong Excel skills (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, macros, etc.)
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization
• Experience navigating ambiguity and leading cross-functional collaboration
• Previous experience in vendor transitions, global expansion, or M&A preferred

Benefits Summary

• Excellent healthcare, dental, and vision for employees and eligible dependents
• 401(k) with 50% company match on up to 6% of eligible compensation
• 12 paid holidays, monthly PTO accrual, and paid volunteer time
• Wellness, financial, and lifestyle benefits supporting work-life balance

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan.