Associate Director of Payroll

Job Description

Atwell is seeking an Associate Director of Payroll to lead and support the daily operations of our payroll function. This role will be responsible for developing effective payroll processes, overseeing payroll reporting and compliance, mentoring payroll team members, and serving as a subject matter expert for internal and external payroll matters.

The ideal candidate is a hands‑on payroll leader with strong technical knowledge, multi‑state payroll experience, and the ability to improve processes while maintaining accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, mentor, and support the payroll team, including reviewing work, providing training, and helping team members grow in their roles.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and primary point of contact for payroll‑related questions from senior leadership, department leaders, employees, external accountants, and payroll vendors.
• Analyze payroll data and prepare routine and ad‑hoc payroll reports, including PTO, labor, DOL‑related statistics, and other requested reporting.
• Ensure accurate and timely submission of monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll and labor reporting requirements.
• Develop, document, and maintain repeatable payroll processes that support accuracy, consistency, compliance, and efficiency.
• Oversee payroll‑related month‑end, quarter‑end, and year‑end financial close activities, including payroll journal entries, reconciliations, payroll expense reporting, special payments, entity setup, and related analytics.
• Monitor payroll and wage laws and regulations to ensure compliance with tax, wage, overtime, PTO, and benefits requirements.
• Review current payroll, deduction, and tax procedures and recommend improvements aligned with best practices.
• Ensure timely payroll tax deposits, quarterly and annual tax filings, year‑end processes, and W‑2 distribution.
• Support account registration for withholding, unemployment, and other payroll‑related taxes across applicable state and local jurisdictions.
• Prepare and submit workers’ compensation returns for monopoly state jurisdictions.
• Collaborate closely with Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, and leadership to ensure payroll accuracy and alignment with business needs.
• Maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive employee and payroll information.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in Human Resources, Accounting, Business, or a related field preferred; equivalent education and relevant experience will also be considered.
• 10+ years of payroll experience, including experience managing or leading a payroll team.
• Experience with multi‑state payroll tax jurisdictions required.
• Professional payroll credentials such as CPP, CPM, or CPS preferred.
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now or similar payroll systems highly preferred.
• Experience with Deltek Vision or another ERP system preferred.
• Strong Microsoft Excel, reporting, and data analysis skills.
• Strong understanding of payroll compliance, payroll tax, wage and hour laws, deductions, benefits‑related payroll processes, and audit requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and lead with discretion, accuracy, and professionalism.

Benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Flexible work schedules available for some positions
• Travel vouchers as part of tenure awards
• Competitive compensation packages
• Annual bonuses, spot bonuses and peer recognition awards
• 401(k) match – 1:1 up to 4% of compensation
• Tuition assistance
• Student loan repayment assistance
• Paid licensing and certification fees and renewals
• Financial rewards for obtaining licensure
• Employee referral program
• Annual wellness reimbursement for wellness‑related activities (gym memberships, fitness trackers, home gym equipment, etc.)
• Dependent care match
• Medical (BC/BS), Dental (Delta), and Vision (VSP) coverage
• Family planning and IVF benefits
• Pet insurance
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
• Employer‑paid LTD, STD, and life insurance
• MetLife supplemental benefits covering accident, hospitalization, and critical illness
• Member Assistance Program with counseling sessions, legal benefits, financial consultations, and work/life referral services