Payroll Director

Robert Half has a new direct-hire opportunity for a Payroll Director based in Baltimore, MD. The Payroll Director is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of payroll operations for a multi-state U.S. workforce of several thousand employees.

This role oversees a small team of payroll professionals, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing while continuously improving systems, controls, and processes. This is a hybrid position! If interested, please apply to this posting or contact Cody Marshall at Robert Half to learn more.Key ResponsibilitiesPayroll Operations & ComplianceOversee end-to-end payroll processing for a multi-state employee population (e.g., salaried, hourly, exempt, non-exempt).Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations (including tax filings, wage and hour laws, and reporting requirements).Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory changes and implement necessary process updates.Ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll, including bonuses, commissions, equity transactions, and off-cycle payments.Team LeadershipLead, mentor, and develop a small payroll team, fostering a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.Establish clear goals, performance expectations, and professional development plans.Optimize team workflows and resource allocation to ensure efficiency and scalability.Systems & Process ImprovementManage and optimize payroll systems (e.g., HRIS/payroll platforms), including upgrades, integrations, and troubleshooting.Identify opportunities to streamline processes, automate manual tasks, and improve data accuracy.Partner with IT and HR to enhance system functionality and reporting capabilities.Audit, Controls & ReportingEstablish and maintain strong internal controls to ensure payroll accuracy and mitigate risk.Support internal and external audits by providing documentation, reconciliations, and process explanations.Prepare and review payroll-related reports, reconciliations, and analytics for leadership.Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner with HR on employee data changes, benefits deductions, and compliance matters.Work closely with Finance on general ledger reconciliations, accruals, and financial reporting.Act as a subject matter expert for payroll-related inquiries across the organization.