Job Information
Robert Half Payroll Director in Owings Mills, Maryland
Description
Robert Half has a new direct-hire opportunity for a Payroll Director based in Owings Mills, 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 Responsibilities
Payroll Operations & Compliance
Oversee 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 Leadership
Lead, 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 Improvement
Manage 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 & Reporting
Establish 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 Collaboration
Partner 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.
Requirements
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
8+ years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership responsibility.
Deep knowledge of U.S. payroll laws, tax regulations, and multi-state payroll processing.
Experience managing payroll for a workforce of 1,000+ employees.
Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or similar certification.
Experience with major payroll/HRIS systems (e.g., Workday, ADP, UKG).
Experience in process automation or payroll transformation initiatives.
Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.
Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app) and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.
All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.
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