Deputy Director of Payroll - FI119 - Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM

Make an Impact.

At WellLife Network, every role plays a vital part in empowering people to live their best lives. As part of one of New York's largest nonprofit health and human services organizations, you'll join a team dedicated to compassion, inclusion, and excellence - helping individuals and families thrive every day.

Position Summary: The Deputy Director of Payroll supports the Payroll Director in overseeing the daily operations of the Payroll Department to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing for all employees. This role provides supervisory oversight to payroll staff, maintaining payroll compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and improving payroll processes and internal controls. The Deputy Director serves as the operational lead in the Payroll Director's absence and works closely with Human Resources, Finance, and program leadership to ensure payroll data integrity and efficient payroll operations.

Essential Accountabilities

• Support the Payroll Director in overseeing the end-to-end payroll processing for approximately 1,700 employees across multiple locations and jurisdictions.
• Ensure payroll transactions including wages, deductions, benefits, and taxes are processed accurately and in accordance with company policies and union collective bargaining agreements.
• Review payroll registers, audit reports, and exception reports to identify discrepancies and ensure accuracy before final payroll submission.
• Supervise, mentor and support payroll staff in daily processing activities, providing guidance, training, and troubleshooting assistance as needed.
• Serve as the primary backup to the Payroll Director and oversee payroll operations when needed.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax laws and employment regulations.
• Support payroll tax filings, reconciliations, and reporting requirements.
• Partner with HR to ensure accurate employee data management including new hires, terminations, leaves of absence, pay rate changes, and benefit deductions.
• Assist in maintaining and improving payroll procedures, documentation, and internal controls.
• Manage and resolve complex payroll inquiries from employees and management.
• Assist with payroll audits, reconciliations, and reporting to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Assist with payroll system maintenance, updates, and enhancements.
• Participate in payroll-related system implementations, testing, and process improvement initiatives.
• Assist in preparing payroll reports for Finance, HR, and senior leadership as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned

What You'll Gain

• Compensation: Competitive hourly rate based on experience.
• Robust Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and 401k retirement plan (with matching).
• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off, holidays, and personal days.
• Wellness Program: Free and low-cost gym and wellness access and support.
• Training & Growth: Ongoing professional development and career advancement opportunities.
• Meaningful Work: Direct impact on the lives of youth and their families.
• Supportive Environment: A collaborative team that values your contributions

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of payroll experience with increasing responsibility.
• Experience managing payroll for a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
• Strong working knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax laws and payroll compliance requirements.
• Experience working with HRIS and payroll systems (Paycom, ADP, or similar platforms).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict payroll deadlines.
• High level of integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

Preferred

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation.
• Experience with bi-weekly payrolls, certified payrolls and union Collective Bargaining Agreements(CBAs).
• Demonstrated experience with payroll audits, system implementations, and process improvement initiatives.