Payroll Director
Accounting Finance Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Direct Hire Feb 27, 2026
Accounting Finance
Job Title: Payroll Director
Job Overview:
Contemporary Staffing Solutions is seeking a Payroll Director to join our client to lead and modernize payroll operations for a large, multi state workforce. This role oversees a high volume payroll function, strengthens compliance and controls, and guides a seasoned team through ongoing process enhancements. The ideal leader will blend strategic thinking with hands on expertise, ensuring employees are paid accurately and timely while supporting broader Finance and HR initiatives. This is a key role for someone who thrives in a mission driven environment and enjoys building scalable, efficient payroll practices.
Compensation:
$95,000–$120,000/year + annual performance based bonus
Work Schedule:
Monday–Friday, standard business hours; Hybrid schedule (3 days onsite / 2 days WFH) in Philadelphia, PA
Job Overview:
Contemporary Staffing Solutions is seeking a Payroll Director to join our client to lead and modernize payroll operations for a large, multi state workforce. This role oversees a high volume payroll function, strengthens compliance and controls, and guides a seasoned team through ongoing process enhancements. The ideal leader will blend strategic thinking with hands on expertise, ensuring employees are paid accurately and timely while supporting broader Finance and HR initiatives. This is a key role for someone who thrives in a mission driven environment and enjoys building scalable, efficient payroll practices.
Compensation:
$95,000–$120,000/year + annual performance based bonus
Work Schedule:
Monday–Friday, standard business hours; Hybrid schedule (3 days onsite / 2 days WFH) in Philadelphia, PA
Key Responsibilities of the Payroll Director:
- Oversee and guide the payroll team, fostering accountability, quality, service excellence, and continuous improvement while aligning payroll operations with organizational priorities.
- Direct end to end processing for weekly, biweekly, and multi state payrolls for both union and non union employees, ensuring accurate wage calculations, deductions, garnishments, and tax withholdings.
- Lead all year end activities, including tax form distribution, statutory updates, reconciliation of payroll data, and coordination with internal partners and external agencies.
- Maintain rigorous internal controls and ensure compliance with wage laws, payroll tax regulations, funder reporting requirements, and audit needs.
- Partner with technology teams and vendors to optimize system functionality, drive automation, and elevate the overall payroll experience for staff.
Qualifications and Skills for the Payroll Director:
- A degree in Accounting or a related discipline is preferred; equivalent experience will also be considered.
- 15+ years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership of payroll operations for large, multi state organizations of 1,000+ employees.
- Demonstrated success managing both union and non union payrolls and working with major HRIS/payroll platforms such as ADP, UKG, Workday, or Paychex.
- Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and wage and hour compliance, paired with advanced analytical and problem solving abilities.
- CPP certification is strongly preferred or willingness to earn it within one year.