Director of Payroll

Vaco is partnering with client that was recognized on the Inc. 5000 list in both 2023 and 2024 and ranking among the top companies in their field to recruit for a Director of Payroll.



Primary Objective
Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing for all employees by maintaining payroll records, applying company policies, and adhering to all regulatory requirements. Support HR and Finance through precise reporting, issue resolution, and protection of sensitive compensation data.


This role oversees payroll for a multi?state (48) workforce of ~8,000 employees (many part?time). The company is currently on Paycom and will convert to Dayforce in January 2026. The CFO is seeking a partner to own the payroll process - someone to manage the group, drive process improvements and change management, and serve as liaison to third?party payroll vendors.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll Management & Leadership: Lead full payroll cycle operations for accuracy, compliance, and confidentiality. Align payroll strategy with company goals and drive process improvements and integration with financial systems.
  
  
• Timekeeping & Systems Administration: Oversee electronic timekeeping system configuration and maintenance. Monitor timecard submissions and approvals, ensure smooth data transfer to payroll systems, manage overtime and compliance with FLSA, and perform audits to resolve discrepancies.
  
  
• Cross?Functional Collaboration: Partner with HR, Finance, and Operations to integrate payroll with compensation planning, incentive programs, and talent initiatives. Reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts and support monthly/quarterly close processes.
  
  
• Employee Support & Communication: Serve as primary contact for payroll inquiries (pay discrepancies, PTO balances, W?2s, direct deposit, tax withholdings). Communicate payroll policies and deadlines clearly to managers and staff.
  
  
• Reporting, Compliance & Auditing: Produce routine and ad hoc payroll reports for leadership and auditors. Monitor labor costs and payroll trends, maintain audit?ready records, and support internal and external audits.
  
  
• Technology & Special Projects: Manage enrollments/terminations with third?party pay platforms (e.g., Daily Pay). Lead payroll system upgrades and implementations, including testing and rollout support. Stay current on payroll law changes and best practices.
  
  
  Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  
  
• Adaptable to changing environments and capable of managing multiple priorities.
  
  
• Proven leadership, mentoring, and decision?making skills.
  
  
  
  Education & Experience
  
  
• Bachelor's degree in a related field (preferred).
  
  
• Minimum 10 years of full?cycle payroll administration experience, including high?volume, multi?state payroll.
  
  
• Experience with integrated payroll/timekeeping systems required; Dayforce experience strongly preferred.
  
  
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint).
  
  
• Strong analytical and problem?solving abilities; data?driven approach to process improvement.
  
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to simplify complex topics and influence cross?functional partners.
  
  
• Highly organized with strong time?management skills.
  Work Environment
  
  
  Work primarily in a corporate office environment with regular collaboration across teams and occasional client?site interaction. Position will be fully in-office.

Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

EEO Notice


Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.


Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io .


Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal .


By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.

Privacy Notice


Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.

• California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here .
• Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here .
• Residents of all other states may access our policies here .
• Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here .
• Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here .

Pay Transparency Notice


Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to:

• the individual's skill sets, experience and training;
• licensure and certification requirements;
• office location and other geographic considerations;
• other business and organizational needs.

With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.