Payroll Director

The Planet Group; Fairhaven (MA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Payroll Director to oversee payroll functions, ensure compliance, and lead a team. The ideal candidate has over 10 years of payroll management experience, preferably with UKG systems, and holds a Bachelor’s degree. This role offers a salary range of $145,000–$185,000 based on experience, with opportunities for strategic development and process improvements.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in payroll management experience required.
• System implementation and upgrade experience preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the payroll function and manage the payroll team.
• Ensure timely payroll processing and compliance with IRS regulations.
• Collaborate with HR on initiatives related to payroll systems.
• Administer RSU/PSU grant awards and ensure compliance.
• Partner with Accounting on payroll reporting and compliance matters.

Skills

Payroll management

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Team leadership

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

Tools

UKG payroll system

Web-based time and attendance applications

Job description

Payroll Director

Direct hire.

Location: Must live within EST or CST timezones and be willing to travel to Massachusetts 1‑2 times per quarter.

Responsibilities

• Lead the payroll function, managing the team, providing strategy and driving important initiatives that leverage emerging technologies to enhance payroll and equity compensation administration, improve efficiency, and streamline operations.
• Oversee the payroll team to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, full compliance with IRS regulations and internal policies, and robust documentation of internal controls. Inspire continuous improvement and support team development through clear vision and guidance.
• Collaborate with HR on initiatives, including the implementation and enhancement of HR systems and integration with third‑party benefit providers.
• Administer RSU/PSU grant awards, ensuring compliance with FICA withholding, managing terminations, dividend equivalents, settlements, and related reporting. Maintain detailed tracking of grants and support Form 4 filings and ad hoc reporting needs.
• Partner with Accounting team on quarterly roll‑forwards and ensure all US RSU/PSU activity is processed through payroll, coordinating with international teams as needed.
• Manage monthly payroll processing for Tour Leadership and oversee preparation of annual tax reporting, including Forms 1099, 1042‑S, and 592‑B.
• Continuously evaluate and enhance payroll processes by implementing controls to ensure payment accuracy. Develop, document, and maintain procedures for Leadership payroll.
• Stay current on legislative and regulatory changes by attending seminars and collaborating with internal departments to ensure compliance. Provide strategic guidance to management on potential impacts.
• Oversee payroll‑related aspects of employee relocations and W‑2 reporting. Manage expatriate compensation, taxation, and year‑end reporting, while maintaining strong relationships with third‑party vendors supporting these functions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred.
• 10+ years in payroll management, including experience with UKG payroll and time and attendance web‑based applications or similar systems.
• System implementation and upgrade experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Salary range: $145,000‑$185,000 based on experience.