Director, Payroll Tax & Accounting

About the Role

We are seeking a Director, Payroll Tax & Accounting to lead our payroll tax compliance and payroll accounting functions across multi-state and international operations. This role is responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable tax regulations, managing accurate financial reporting for payroll-related accounts, and driving process improvements that support operational efficiency and strong internal controls. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in payroll tax, equity taxation, global mobility income sourcing, and payroll accounting.
 

Job Responsibilities

Payroll Tax Compliance

• Oversee U.S. federal, state, local, and international payroll tax compliance, including timely filing of tax returns and year-end forms (e.g., 941s, W-2s, T4s).
• Ensure accurate tax treatment and reporting for equity compensation, supplemental wages, and cross-border income for mobile employees.
• Monitor tax law changes and maintain up-to-date payroll tax configurations across systems.
• Respond to agency notices, resolve issues with tax authorities, and support payroll tax audits as needed.
• Provide resolution on complex tax inquiries from employees and business partners.

Payroll Accounting

• Lead payroll accounting activities including journal entries, account reconciliations, payroll accruals, and related financial reporting.
• Support month-end and year-end close in partnership with Finance, ensuring accuracy of payroll-related general ledger accounts.
• Ensure proper classification and GL mapping of wages, taxes, benefits, and equity compensation across departments and entities.
• Maintain documentation and controls to meet internal audit and SOX compliance standards.

Process Improvement & Collaboration

• Develop and enhance payroll tax and accounting processes to ensure accuracy, consistency, and efficiency.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with HR, Finance, Legal, and external vendors to support business objectives and resolve payroll tax-related matters.
• Lead projects focused on system upgrades and enhancements involving payroll tax and accounting functionalities.

Skills and Qualifications

• 8+ years of payroll tax, compliance, and accounting experience in a multi-state and/or global environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred; relevant professional certification is highly desirable.
• Strong expertise in share-based income taxation and global mobility tax compliance.
• Proficiency in payroll tax reconciliations, audits, and regulatory filings.
• Experience with Workday Payroll, Workday Financials, and ADP SmartCompliance is an asset.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners.