Payroll Director

We are looking for an experienced Payroll Director to lead payroll operations for a complex, multi-jurisdiction workforce based in San Luis Obispo, California. This role is responsible for delivering accurate and timely payroll processing, strengthening compliance practices, and providing reporting that supports financial oversight and executive decision-making. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of full-cycle payroll, payroll tax requirements, and team leadership in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:

• Direct payroll activities across U.S. and international operations to ensure employees are paid accurately, on schedule, and in accordance with applicable regulations.

• Administer paid time off tracking and related payroll impacts, maintaining reliable records and consistent application of policy.

• Oversee the payroll support inbox and provide prompt, thorough responses to questions from employees and managers.

• Design, document, and refine payroll procedures, controls, and policies to support growth, new jurisdictional requirements, and payroll or timekeeping system updates.

• Manage payroll tax registrations and ongoing compliance with federal, state, local, and international agencies as needed.

• Review and reconcile payroll-related accounts, including tax balances, clearing accounts, general ledger items, garnishments, employee advances, and other liabilities.

• Lead, mentor, and support payroll staff involved in processing, auditing, and compliance activities.

• Ensure payroll records are retained accurately and in line with company standards and legal requirements.

• Approve and audit employee status and compensation changes throughout the employment lifecycle to maintain payroll accuracy.

• Prepare payroll reports, analytics, and audit documentation, including support for workers’ compensation audits and management reporting.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• At least five years of progressive experience in payroll and accounting, including leadership of payroll operations.
• Strong expertise in full-cycle, multi-state payroll administration for large employee populations.
• Knowledge of payroll tax compliance, wage and hour regulations, and related employment requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
• Experience with Dayforce is preferred; familiarity with ADP Workforce Now and the ability to learn new payroll platforms quickly is also valuable.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, with strong analytical and reconciliation skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with the judgment to handle confidential information and competing priorities effectively.
• Ability to satisfy pre-employment screening requirements, which may include candidate screening requirements and location-based health clearance.

Compensation

$95,000.00-$100,000.00 Yearly

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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