Director of Payroll

Robert Half Management Resources is looking for an experienced payroll leader to oversee large-scale payroll operations for one of our clients on an interim basis. This long-term contract position is suited for a strategic, detail-oriented individual who can guide a sizable team, strengthen payroll accuracy, and improve performance in a complex, high-volume environment. The role requires close partnership with leadership, HR, Finance, and systems stakeholders to ensure compliant, efficient payroll delivery across a broad employee population.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop a multi-level payroll organization, setting clear expectations around service quality, accuracy, and accountability.

• Direct the full payroll cycle for a large U.S. employee population, ensuring timely processing and dependable execution at enterprise scale.

• Maximize the effectiveness of payroll platforms, including Workday Payroll, to improve reporting, workflow efficiency, and operational consistency.

• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations while upholding internal controls and audit readiness.

• Partner with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to align payroll operations with organizational priorities and workforce needs.

• Evaluate current payroll processes, identify inefficiencies, and introduce scalable improvements that enhance stability and performance.

• Support complex payroll scenarios common in healthcare settings, including multi-state pay practices, shift-based compensation, and varied employee groups.

• Provide operational leadership within a shared services or in-house payroll model, ensuring strong governance across end-to-end payroll activities.

Qualifications:

• 8+ years of payroll leadership experience with responsibility for managing and developing large teams.
• Demonstrated success overseeing payroll operations for large enterprise organizations, ideally supporting 50,000 employees or more.
• Strong expertise in full-cycle, multi-state payroll administration within a complex U.S. regulatory environment.
• Hands-on knowledge of Workday Payroll; experience with ADP Workforce Now is also valuable.
• Background in healthcare payroll is strongly preferred, including familiarity with complex pay structures and broad workforce populations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with senior stakeholders and build credibility quickly in a highly visible consulting assignment.
• Experience working in in-house or shared services payroll environments with a focus on process improvement and operational control.
• Certified Payroll (CPP) designation is preferred.

Compensation

$95.00-$110.00 Hourly

About Us

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.

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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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