Director of Financial Operations

Williams College, London; Williamstown (MA); Hybrid; USD 113,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

Williams College is seeking a Director of Financial Operations to lead the College’s payroll and accounts payable in Workday, reporting to the Associate Vice President for Finance.

The role will manage a four-person team and collaborate with HR, Risk Management, Purchasing, General Counsel, and Student Financial Services to address tax implications for contractors and international staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 7 years in higher education or nonprofit payroll/tax compliance, with 1–3 years accounts payable.
• Knowledge of not-for-profit financial reporting and payroll operations, preferably in higher education.
• Strong ability to present information for analysis and decision making.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight of payroll and accounts payable operations, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain and improve disbursement processes, internal controls, and SOPs for efficiency and transparency.
• Monitor compliance with federal, state, and local wage and tax regulations.

Skills

Payroll operations

Tax compliance

Financial reporting

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, finance or related field

Master’s degree preferred / CPA

Tools

Workday

Sprintax

Job description

Williams College is seeking a Director of Financial Operations to join the College’s Finance team.Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Finance, this position will oversee the College’s disbursement operations in Workday, which includes the Payroll and Accounts Payable processes. This role will manage, mentor, and develop a team of four: a Payroll Manager, a Payroll Specialist, an Accounts Payable Manager and a Staff Accountant (who will also support activities in the Controller’s Office).

The Director is responsible for ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, maintaining high levels of service for internal and external customers, monitoring internal controls, ensuring proper accounting procedures, and continuous process improvement.

The Director will serve as a subject matter expert for payroll and accounts payable related tax reporting and compliance and will collaborate with internal departments such as Human Resources, Risk Management & Purchasing, General Counsel, Student Financial Services, etc. to address tax implications for independent contractors, non-U.S. citizens within with the U.S., and foreign national students.

Responsibilities:

Payroll & Accounts Payable

• Provide strategic oversight of all payroll and accounts payable operations, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing of all processes.

• Maintain and improve disbursement processes, internal controls, and standard operating procedures to enhance efficiency, consistency, and transparency.

• Monitor and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to wages, tax withholdings, benefits deductions, independent contractor status, etc.

• Serve as the primary point of escalation for complex payroll scenarios (e.g., leaves, retroactive adjustments, sabbaticals, split appointments, and terminations).

• Support continuous improvement efforts by streamlining payroll, time and absence processes, adopting best practices and ensuring robust internal controls..

• Serves as a liaison between faculty, staff, and suppliers on complex payment issues.

• Provides support, guidance, and instruction through training sessions, job aids, and other means of supporting end-users.

• Collaborate with the Controller and Assistant Controller to ensure proper accounting treatment and internal control compliance relating to issuing payments.

• Collaborate with the Director of Risk Management & Procurement to oversee the Purchasing Card program, the Procurement module, and associated business processes.

Compliance, Tax Strategy & Reporting

• Maintain an expert-level understanding of federal, state and local payroll tax regulations.
• Proactively identify and coordinate with Human Resources and other relevant parties changes in wage and hour laws, FICA, SUI, and workers’ compensation requirements to ensure the College remains in compliance.
• Serves as an advisor to the Associate Vice President for Finance and the Controller on tax matters relating to compensation and disbursements. Provides high-level analysis and support for non-payroll tax filings (Forms 990, 990-T, Form 4720, state tax returns, and sales tax returns).

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, finance or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• A minimum of 7 years experience in higher education or non-profit/unionized environment payroll operations and related tax compliance, preferably including 1-3 years of accounts payable operations within that time period.
• Knowledge of not-for-profit financial reporting, finance operations and payroll, preferably in higher education.
• A sophisticated skillset of presenting information to support analysis and decision making, both verbally and written.
• Excellent organizational skills; ability to plan work, set and manage multiple priorities and changes in schedules to meet anticipated and established deadlines; effectively team collaboration to bring about the successful completion of deliverables.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree preferred, CPA or related financial/tax designation desired.
• Experience in higher education, Workday, and tax reporting software such as Sprintax preferred

Remote Work Policy: Hybrid on-site/remote work arrangements may be available for up to 2 days of remote work per week for employees based in MA, NY, CT, or VT. Flexible work arrangements may be considered contingent on operational needs and other factors, and must be reviewed and approved via the appropriate college processes.

Application review will begin on October 26, 2026. Pay range is from $112,500 - $122,500, commensurate with experience.

A cover letter is required for your application to be considered ; please submit a cover letter in a separate document in your application.

This full-time, year-round position is eligible for Williams College’s robust benefits package designed to support you in your work and overall health and wellness.

ALL employees must have completed an I-9 BEFORE they can begin work.

Employment at Williams is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant, including the completion of a criminal record check, and education when applicable. Decisions regarding appointments, promotions, and conditions of employment comply with applicable federal or state law prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, or military service.

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.

Beyond meeting fully its legal obligations for non-discrimination, Williams College is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn and thrive. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process please feel free to contact us via phone at [phone] or email at [e-mail].