Assistant Controller - Payroll

The Assistant Controller - Payroll Services is responsible for leading all payroll operations, payroll accounting, payroll tax compliance, and payroll systems administration. This role ensures the accurate and timely processing of payroll, maintains compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, and oversees the integrity of payroll-related financial reporting and internal controls. The Assistant Controller serves as a strategic partner to Accounting, Human Resources, Tax, and Information Technology teams while driving process improvements, system enhancements, and operational excellence across the payroll function.

Essential Responsibilities

Payroll Operations

• Oversee all payroll operations, ensuring accurate and timely processing of employee compensation.
• Manage payroll tax withholdings, garnishments, benefit deductions, and other employee-related deductions.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations.
• Develop and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Resolve complex payroll issues and serve as an escalation point for payroll-related matters.

Payroll Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Direct payroll accounting activities including journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals, and general ledger postings.
• Ensure payroll-related liabilities and expenses are accurately recorded and reconciled.
• Support monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Review payroll-related financial reports and analyses for accuracy and completeness.
• Maintain strong financial controls over payroll transactions and reporting.

Payroll Systems & Process Improvement

• Lead payroll system implementations, upgrades, and enhancement initiatives.
• Partner with Human Resources, Finance, and Information Technology teams to optimize payroll processes and reporting capabilities.
• Identify and implement automation opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce manual processes.
• Ensure payroll system integrity, data accuracy, and appropriate access controls.

Tax Compliance & Regulatory Reporting

• Oversee payroll tax compliance, filings, and reporting requirements.
• Ensure accurate preparation and distribution of annual tax reporting documents, including W-2s.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes impacting payroll operations.
• Support payroll audits and regulatory examinations.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop payroll managers, supervisors, analysts, and support staff.
• Establish performance goals and accountability measures for the payroll team.
• Foster a culture of customer service, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Manage departmental resources, budgets, and staffing plans.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Maintain a strong internal control environment over payroll operations and payroll accounting.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
• Support internal and external audit activities.
• Protect the confidentiality and security of payroll and employee information.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Human Resources, Benefits, Finance, Accounting, Tax, Treasury, and Information Technology teams.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on payroll-related matters and strategic initiatives.
• Participate in special projects, organizational initiatives, and process improvement efforts.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Progressive payroll, accounting, finance, or controllership experience.
• Strong knowledge of payroll operations, payroll accounting, payroll tax regulations, and financial reporting.
• Experience managing complex, multi-state payroll environments.
• Strong understanding of general ledger accounting, reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing teams.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and payroll platforms.

Preferred

• CPA designation.
• Experience leading payroll system implementations or process transformation initiatives.
• Experience with Oracle HCM, PeopleSoft, Workday, or similar enterprise payroll systems.
• Experience in a large, complex organizational environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive Base Salary
• Annual Bonus Opportunity
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development Opportunities