Director of Payroll: Strategic Lead for Multi-Entity Ops

Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey; New York (NY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey is seeking a Director of Payroll to lead and optimize payroll operations across multiple entities, including Good Temps. This senior role reports to the SVP of Finance and emphasizes accuracy, governance, and strategic improvement.

The leader will manage a payroll team, drive automation, ensure compliance with wage laws, and collaborate with HR, Finance, IT, and operations to align payroll with organizational goals and client needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field.
• 8–10 years of progressive payroll leadership experience in a complex, multi-site, multi-entity environment.
• 5+ years of experience leading and developing payroll teams.
• Deep knowledge of payroll operations, payroll tax regulations, wage-and-hour laws, and compliance requirements.
• Expertise in payroll systems, HRIS platforms, workforce management systems, and related technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage the Payroll Department with a focus on accountability and service.
• Balance strategic leadership with hands-on payroll processing oversight.
• Oversee daily payroll operations to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Align payroll operations with policies and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, IT, and other leadership to support organizational goals.
• Support growth initiatives including potential external payroll services.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Payroll operations

Regulatory compliance

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business Administration/HR

Tools

Payroll systems

HRIS platforms

Timekeeping systems

Job description

Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey is seeking a Director of Payroll to lead and optimize payroll operations across multiple entities, including Good Temps. This senior role reports to the SVP of Finance and emphasizes accuracy, governance, and strategic improvement.

The leader will manage a payroll team, drive automation, ensure compliance with wage laws, and collaborate with HR, Finance, IT, and operations to align payroll with organizational goals and client needs.