Strategic Payroll Director - Compliance & Systems

Auburn; Auburn, Northern (AL, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Auburn is seeking a strategic payroll leader to direct operations for Auburn University and Auburn University at Montgomery. You will oversee timekeeping, tax, and payroll systems, ensuring compliant, timely payroll delivery and strong internal controls across multiple states.

You will work with HR, Finance, IT, auditors, and external agencies to implement changes, optimize processes, and lead analytics and reporting to support budgeting and decision-making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 7 years of progressively responsible payroll, tax compliance, and payroll/HRIS systems experience in a complex, multi-entity, multistate environment.
• At least 1 year of supervisory experience of full-time staff.

Responsibilities

• Directs payroll operations for Auburn University, Auburn University at Montgomery, and affiliated operations.
• Sets strategic priorities, service standards, and internal controls for payroll administration.
• Ensures smooth operation of payroll and timekeeping systems, tax tables, and configurations; coordinates system enhancements and upgrades.
• Develops payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure compliance with multi-state tax and wage laws.
• Provides strategic oversight of payroll compliance across states and implements regulatory changes.
• Serves as senior payroll advisor to university leadership, HR, Finance, IT, auditors, and external agencies.
• Directs audits, tax reporting, and risk mitigation related to payroll obligations.
• Monitors federal, state, and local payroll laws and best practices; communicates impacts and drives policy changes.
• Leads payroll analytics and reporting to support budgeting, workforce planning, and financial reporting.
• Oversees vendor relationships and payroll-related contracts and service delivery.

Skills

Multi-entity payroll experience

Supervisory experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or related field

Job description

Auburn is seeking a strategic payroll leader to direct operations for Auburn University and Auburn University at Montgomery. You will oversee timekeeping, tax, and payroll systems, ensuring compliant, timely payroll delivery and strong internal controls across multiple states.

You will work with HR, Finance, IT, auditors, and external agencies to implement changes, optimize processes, and lead analytics and reporting to support budgeting and decision-making.