Strategic Payroll Director — Compliance & Operations

Vaco by Highspring; New York (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaco by Highspring is seeking an experienced payroll leader to oversee end-to-end payroll operations for our New York-based teams. You will ensure accurate, timely processing while maintaining compliance with federal and state laws, and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders.

The role requires extensive experience with multi-state payroll, payroll tax filings (941s, W-2s, state filings), and advanced Excel skills. Prior leadership and a CPP/CPA are preferred.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of payroll experience with leadership responsibility.
• Strong knowledge of federal and New York payroll laws and tax reporting.
• Experience supporting multi-state payroll requirements.
• Hands-on payroll tax filings experience (941s, W-2s, state filings).
• Advanced Excel skills for reconciliations and large datasets.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end payroll operations for the organization.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing.
• Monitor payroll performance, issues, and operational risks.
• Communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead cross-training to strengthen team coverage and continuity.

Skills

Payroll leadership

New York payroll laws

Multi-state payroll

Payroll tax filings

Advanced Excel

Education

CPP or CPA certification

Tools

Paylocity

Workday

ADP

Paycom

Job description

Vaco by Highspring is seeking an experienced payroll leader to oversee end-to-end payroll operations for our New York-based teams. You will ensure accurate, timely processing while maintaining compliance with federal and state laws, and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders.

The role requires extensive experience with multi-state payroll, payroll tax filings (941s, W-2s, state filings), and advanced Excel skills. Prior leadership and a CPP/CPA are preferred.