Payroll Director

Director of Payroll

Contract Position | 100% Onsite | Nashville, Tennessee

Soni is partnered with a client seeking an experienced Director of Payroll for a contract opportunity based in Nashville, Tennessee. This is a 100% onsite position responsible for leading payroll operations, systems optimization, compliance, and process improvement for a large, multi-state organization.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience managing high-volume payroll operations, demonstrated expertise with UKG, and a proven track record of leading a team of four or more employees. This individual will oversee payroll strategy and execution while ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll delivery for a workforce of 2,500 or more employees.

Responsibilities:

• Payroll Leadership: Direct end-to-end payroll operations, ensuring accurate and timely processing for a workforce of 2,500 or more employees across multiple states and locations.

• Team Management: Lead, develop, and mentor a payroll team of at least four employees, promoting accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Systems and Technology: Oversee payroll systems, configurations, enhancements, and integrations. Partner with Human Resources and other stakeholders to optimize workflows and implement technology-driven solutions using UKG.

• Compliance and Internal Controls: Establish and maintain payroll controls, audit procedures, and reporting practices to support data integrity and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to streamline payroll processes, improve service delivery, strengthen internal controls, and align payroll operations with organizational objectives.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Operations, and other business leaders to resolve payroll issues, reconcile data, and support business initiatives.

• Payroll Processing: Oversee regular and supplemental payrolls, ensuring adherence to established pay schedules and applicable regulatory requirements.

• Acquisition Integration: Lead payroll integration activities associated with acquisitions and organizational changes, including employee setup, tax configuration, data validation, and reconciliation.

• Quarter-End and Year-End Processing: Oversee quarterly and annual payroll close activities, tax reconciliations, W-2 preparation, and required governmental filings.

• Project Management: Lead payroll-related projects, system enhancements, process changes, and operational initiatives, ensuring effective planning and execution.

• Stakeholder Support: Provide payroll expertise and strategic guidance to leadership while resolving complex operational issues and recommending solutions.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive payroll experience in a multi-state, multi-location environment.

• At least 2 years of experience managing payroll operations for 2,500 or more employees .

• Minimum of 7 years of supervisory or people-management experience.

• Demonstrated experience directly managing a team of four or more employees .

• Hands-on experience with UKG payroll systems .

• Advanced knowledge of payroll, HRIS, and timekeeping systems.

• Strong understanding of payroll tax compliance, reconciliations, internal controls, and year-end reporting.

• Proven ability to manage complex payroll operations and collaborate across multiple business functions.

• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to handle confidential employee and business information with discretion.

• Ability to work 100% onsite in Nashville, Tennessee for the duration of the contract.

Compensation: $85 - $95/ Hr
Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, knowledge, skills, other job-related qualifications.