Director of Payroll Services

Bethany Christian Services; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

403(b) retirement plan with employer

Paid time off & holidays

Education reimbursement

Employee assistance program

Long-term disability

Group life insurance

Job summary

Bethany Christian Services in Grand Rapids, MI is seeking a Director of Payroll Services to lead payroll operations, ensure accuracy and compliance, and partner with Finance, Human Resources, and IT to support organizational goals. This role requires a Bachelor’s degree, CPP preferred, five years of progressive payroll experience, and at least two years leading a payroll team.

Strong analytical, confidentiality, and communication skills are essential, with proficiency in UKG and Microsoft

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; CPP accreditation preferred.
• At least five (5) years of progressive experience managing and processing payroll operations.
• At least two (2) years of experience managing a payroll operations team.
• Working knowledge of UKG suite and HRIS configurations, with Excel proficiency.
• Excellent analytical, confidentiality, and communication skills; strong stakeholder collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute payroll strategies with leadership and controls for accuracy and timeliness.
• Maintain payroll system configurations and support financial reporting through payroll accounting.
• Lead, develop, coach, and evaluate payroll team members aligned with Bethany’s values.
• Evaluate payroll technology and vendor solutions to maximize efficiency and compliance.
• Ensure compliance with evolving payroll regulations and manage risk across the organization.
• Collaborate with Finance, HR, IT and leadership on payroll projects and data analyses.
• Oversee annual workers' compensation audit and support accurate classifications.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Time management

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

UKG

Microsoft Office

Excel

HRIS systems

Job description

Rooted in our Christian faith, Bethany Christian Services works to ensure children are safe, loved, and connected through family. Across 29 states, we strengthen families, support foster care and adoption, and walk alongside refugees with compassion. Here, living out your faith means using your gifts to bring hope and make a lasting impact.

Working at Bethany means joining a team of dedicated professionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country. Together, we’re united in our Christian mission and these shared values: We’re motivated by our faith, we support one another, we champion justice, we pursue excellence, and we’re in it for the long haul. As a Director of Payroll Services, you’ll help carry this mission forward and make a meaningful impact every day.

How Your Role Makes a Difference

• Develop and execute payroll strategies, providing leadership and direction while implementing controls and process improvements to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing;
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of payroll transactions, maintain payroll-related system configurations, and support organizational financial reporting through effective payroll accounting and reporting practices;
• Lead, develop, coach, and evaluate payroll team members in alignment with job expectations and Bethany's values;
• Evaluate payroll technology solutions and serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) to maximize system capabilities, efficiency, and operational effectiveness;
• Evaluate vendor solutions, as directed by organizational leadership, to ensure services meet Bethany's operational, compliance, and service requirements;
• Serve as the point of escalation for complex payroll issues and partner with Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, vendors, and organizational leadership to resolve concerns effectively;
• Provide leadership and governance over payroll compliance by maintaining a continual pulse on evolving federal, state, and local payroll regulations; evaluating organizational risk; recommending policy, process, and system enhancements; and ensuring timely implementation of compliancerelated changes;
• Lead and support special projects, strategic initiatives, operational reviews, and payroll-related data analyses and requests for the Chief Financial Officer, executive leadership, and key stakeholders to support process improvements, compliance efforts, and informed business decision-making;
• Collaborate with Human Resources and Information Technology to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and security of employee and payroll-related data;
• Serve as the Finance department SME on payroll operations, process improvements, strategic initiatives, and organizational planning efforts;
• Oversee and support the annual Workers' Compensation audit and provide payroll data and analysis to support accurate employee classifications and reporting requirements;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

What Will Make You Successful

• Bachelor’s level degree from an accredited college;
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) accreditation preferred;
• At least five (5) years of progressive experience managing and processing payroll operations;
• At least two (2) years of experience managing a payroll operations team;
• Working knowledge of configuration, functionality and implementation of payroll processing systems, UKG suite of products preferred;
• Strong analytical, diagnostic, and problem-solving skills reflective of an understanding of the business implications of decisions;
• Exercise a high level of confidentiality;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Must be able to work with all levels of the organization and stakeholders;
• Demonstrated strong customer service focus, allowing for the development of strong working relationships and collaboration with other departments to achieve desired outcomes;
• Must be reliable with time sensitive deadlines and tasks;
• Work well under pressure and adaptable to change;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with advance use of Excel;
• Familiarity with configuration, functionality and implementation of HRIS systems, UKG suite of products preferred;
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver's license with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany;
• Must pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity.

We Invest in You

• Experience a team environment with other professionals who are motivated by faith, support one another, pursue excellence, and are in it for the long haul
• Access to training, professional development, and career growth opportunities
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match eligibility
• Generous time off (11 paid holidays, PTO YourWay, paid parental leave, separate sick and paid absence banks)
• Access to education reimbursement for those that qualify
• Comprehensive employee assistance and wellness program
• Employer paid long-term disability and group term life insurance