Sr. Manager/Director of Payroll - Transform Payroll Operations at a Growing Bay Area Organization

Join Robert Half in placing top talent for this newly created Payroll Director position in the San Francisco Bay Area. This hybrid leadership role (2 days onsite) offers the perfect opportunity for seasoned payroll professionals to make a strategic impact. Reporting directly to the CFO and partnering closely with HR leadership, you'll oversee payroll operations for 1,000+ employees across multiple states. If you thrive on compliance challenges, team leadership, and process innovation, this position delivers the autonomy and resources to excel.

About the Role

This pivotal leadership position anchors the organization's payroll function during an exciting growth phase. The Payroll Director will champion accuracy, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence while fostering collaboration across finance, HR, and executive teams. With direct oversight of semi-monthly payroll cycles, internal audits, and system enhancements, you'll drive measurable improvements that support the company's mission. The hybrid model balances in-office collaboration with flexible remote work, positioning you at the heart of strategic business decisions in one of California's most dynamic markets.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Team Management: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing payroll team responsible for processing payroll for over 1,000 employees on a semi-monthly basis. Provide hands-on training, performance coaching, and career development to build bench strength.

Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure unwavering compliance with complex federal, state, and local regulations, including multi-state wage and hour laws, tax filings, and employment standards. Conduct rigorous internal audits of payroll processes, accruals, and reporting to mitigate risks and maintain audit readiness.

Audit Oversight: Direct fiscal year-end audits, governmental reporting, workers' compensation filings, and benefits-related payroll audits. Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors, ensuring seamless execution and resolution of findings.

Process Optimization: Spearhead continuous improvement initiatives to streamline payroll operations, reduce processing times, and enhance accuracy. Develop and maintain comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs) that scale with organizational growth.

Strategic Partnership: Collaborate with C-suite executives, finance, and HR to align payroll practices with business objectives. Approve final payroll deliverables, provide backup processing during peak periods, and offer consultative expertise on compensation-related matters.

Technology Leadership: Partner on payroll system implementations, upgrades, and integrations. Evaluate emerging technologies to ensure the payroll function remains agile and future-proof.

Required Qualifications

Success demands proven expertise and leadership acumen:

• 10+ years of progressive payroll experience, including 5+ years in supervisory or director-level roles
• Demonstrated success managing high-volume payroll (1,000+ employees) across multiple states
• Deep expertise in federal/state/local compliance, wage & hour laws, and tax regulations
• Strong audit background encompassing internal controls, fiscal audits, and regulatory filings
• Hands-on experience with payroll systems (UKG, ADP, Workday preferred) and implementations
• Exceptional process improvement track record with measurable ROI
• CPP, FPC, or CPA certification(s) highly preferred
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills

Why Join Us

This rare opportunity combines strategic influence, team leadership, and tangible impact in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area. Enjoy a competitive salary range of $140,000 - $180,000 plus performance incentives, hybrid flexibility, and comprehensive benefits including 401(k) matching, health coverage, and professional development support. Partner directly with C-level executives in a collaborative culture that values innovation and employee growth. Robert Half specializes in connecting elite payroll talent with transformative roles—contact Christina Tran today to explore this career-defining position and elevate your impact in payroll leadership.

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