About Role

Robert Half is seeking a dynamic and experienced Strategic Payroll Operations professional for our esteemed client in Colonie, New York. This pivotal leadership role is perfect for a Payroll Supervisor, Manager, or Director with a strategic mindset who thrives in optimizing payroll functions. In this position, you will lead payroll operations, ensuring flawless accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in processing employee compensation. As a key player in our client's HR ecosystem, you will drive innovation through process improvements, system implementations, and cross-functional collaboration. Located in the vibrant Albany suburb of Colonie, NY, this full-time opportunity offers a competitive salary of $80,000 and the chance to make a lasting impact on organizational success. If you are passionate about payroll excellence, regulatory mastery, and team leadership, this Strategic Payroll Operations role at Robert Half is your next career milestone.

Payroll operations have evolved into a strategic cornerstone of modern businesses, demanding leaders who can navigate complex regulations while leveraging technology for peak performance. Our client values forward-thinkers who can transform traditional payroll into a streamlined, automated powerhouse, reducing errors and enhancing employee satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

Take charge of providing strategic direction and operational oversight for all payroll processes, guaranteeing timely and accurate employee compensation across the organization. You will develop, implement, and maintain robust payroll policies, procedures, and systems, ensuring unwavering compliance with federal, state, and local laws. Supervise and mentor a dedicated payroll team, upholding the highest standards of confidentiality and professionalism in every interaction.

Stay ahead of the curve by monitoring changes in payroll-related legislation and seamlessly integrating updates into existing processes and systems. Manage audits, agency inquiries, and corrective actions with precision, minimizing risks and resolving issues efficiently. Foster strong partnerships with human resources and finance departments to align payroll functions with broader organizational goals, creating synergy that drives business success.

Handle complex exception cases, including retroactive pay, bonuses, terminations, and garnishments, while partnering with IT and HR teams to test, implement, and maintain system upgrades and integrations. Champion process improvements and automation initiatives to boost efficiency, accuracy, and scalability. Finally, coordinate seamless payroll processing for calendar and fiscal year-end activities, meeting all compliance deadlines without compromise.

Required Qualifications

To excel in this Strategic Payroll Operations role, candidates must bring proven experience as a Payroll Supervisor, Manager, or Director, with a deep understanding of federal, state, and local regulations. A strategic thinker with a track record of driving process improvements and implementing efficient payroll systems is essential. Strong leadership skills are required to supervise teams, ensuring confidentiality and high performance.

Key skills include payroll processing expertise, regulatory compliance mastery, audit management, cross-departmental collaboration, legislative tracking, automation proficiency, and year-end coordination. Proficiency in payroll software, exceptional problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to accuracy are non-negotiable. A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, HR, or a related field is preferred, along with relevant certifications such as CPP or FPC. Candidates should demonstrate 5+ years in payroll leadership, with hands-on experience in exception handling, system integrations, and process optimization.

Why Join Us

Join Robert Half and our client in Colonie, NY, for a rewarding career in Strategic Payroll Operations that offers stability, growth, and impact. Enjoy a competitive $80,000 salary, comprehensive benefits including health insurance, 401(k) matching, PTO, and professional development. Benefit from a supportive hybrid work environment, wellness programs, and performance incentives in the heart of New York's Capital Region. Robert Half's expertise in placing top HR and finance talent ensures you're positioned for long-term success. Apply now to elevate your payroll career with a forward-thinking team dedicated to excellence and innovation. (Word count: 728)