Director, Payroll Operations & Compliance

Ocean State Job Lot; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra is seeking a Director of Payroll to lead the payroll teams across the organization, ensuring accurate tax treatment, timely disbursements, and robust internal controls. You will collaborate with HR, IT, and external institutions to drive system updates and compliant reporting.

The role requires extensive payroll processing experience, supervisory leadership, and strong knowledge of GAAP, CBAs, and federal/state regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related discipline
• 8 years payroll processing experience with Kronos or similar systems
• 5 years of supervisory or management experience
• Knowledge of CBAs, GAAP, and federal/state regulations
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 and ERP systems

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to payroll teams to ensure tax treatment, withholdings, and deductions are accurate
• Oversee all payroll operations, including timing, reconciliation, and compliance
• Coordinate with HR and IT; participate in ERP updates, testing, and deployments
• Establish internal controls and efficient processes aligned with accounting standards
• Perform audits and respond to audit issues from internal and external sources
• Approve payroll payments and related records; manage employer taxes and fringes
• Schedule staff, coverage, and staffing decisions; support hiring and performance actions
• Ensure compliant reporting to federal, state, and local agencies

Skills

Kronos timekeeping

GAAP knowledge

IRS/Tax rules

ERP systems (D365)

Microsoft 365

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

Tools

ERP systems (D365)

Job description

Metra is seeking a Director of Payroll to lead the payroll teams across the organization, ensuring accurate tax treatment, timely disbursements, and robust internal controls. You will collaborate with HR, IT, and external institutions to drive system updates and compliant reporting.

The role requires extensive payroll processing experience, supervisory leadership, and strong knowledge of GAAP, CBAs, and federal/state regulations.